29 October 2025

• Andhra Pradesh has faced over 10 major tropical cyclones since 2010, including severe and very severe storms.
• Cyclone Montha (2025) made landfall near Kakinada, causing large-scale damage to agriculture and power infrastructure.
• Experts attribute the rising frequency and intensity of such cyclones to increasing Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) in the Bay of Bengal, linked to climate change and deforestation of coastal ecosystems.

Key Points

• SST >26°C enables cyclone formation via latent heat.
• Positive IOD & La Niña phases increase cyclonic activity.
• Agriculture damage: 43,000 ha crops lost; paddy & cotton (80% of loss).
• Power loss: ₹2,200 crore; heavy damage to substations & lines.
• Natural buffers lost: Mangrove and wetland depletion worsened impact.
• Govt response: NDRF/SDRF deployed; restoration & real-time monitoring underway.

Static Linkages

• Tropical cyclones form due to Coriolis force, high SST, low vertical wind shear, and high humidity in the troposphere.
• Bay of Bengal vs. Arabian Sea:
  • Bay of Bengal generates more cyclones (≈5:1 ratio) due to warmer waters and inflow of moist air from the Pacific via the Malay Peninsula.
• Mangroves as natural buffers reduce storm surge impacts — a key concept from Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011.
• Disaster Management Act, 2005 and National Disaster Management Policy (2009) provide the legal and institutional framework for cyclone management.
• UN SDG 13 (Climate Action) and Sendai Framework (2015–2030) emphasize resilience to climate- induced disasters.

Critical Analysis

• Pros / Positive Developments:
  • Effective early warning systems (IMD) reduced loss of life.
  • Prompt government response aided rapid restoration of essential services.
  • Improved inter-agency coordination (NDMA–State–NDRF) enhanced preparedness.
• Cons / Challenges:
  • Persistent agricultural vulnerability due to monocropping (paddy, cotton).
  • Deforestation and coastal land conversion weakened natural barriers.
  • Inadequate insurance penetration among small and marginal farmers.
  • Power and transport infrastructure not cyclone-resilient in coastal belts.

Way Forward

• Promote climate-resilient crops & crop diversification.
• Restore mangroves & wetlands.
• Build cyclone-resilient infrastructure (“Build Back Better”).
• Enhance SST monitoring, AI-based prediction.
• Expand PMFBY and community preparedness.

RETHINKING IMMIGRATION AND EXCLUSION

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Recent debates in the U.S. over immigration policies, particularly during and after the Trump administration, have reignited discussions about historical memory, colonial legacies, and racial politics.
• The glorification of colonial figures like Christopher Columbus and the simultaneous vilification of modern migrants expose the contradictions in global narratives around migration, citizenship, and human rights.
• The controversy around “Columbus Day” vs. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” reflects a growing global re-examination of colonial histories and their lingering effects on migration and identity politics.

• Key Points
• Historical Paradox: The U.S., a nation built through waves of forced and voluntary migration, now leads stringent anti- immigration measures—border walls, family separations, and travel bans.
• Colonial Continuity: The ideology that justified the conquest of the Americas continues to shape policies of exclusion and global inequality.
• Narrative Bias: Mainstream historiography glorifies Columbus’s “discovery” while suppressing Indigenous genocide and cultural annihilation.
• Moral Contradiction: The U.S. celebrates “freedom” while denying refuge to those fleeing wars and climate crises—many of which are consequences of Western interventions.
• Symbolic Racism: Instances like naming the Osama bin Laden mission “Geronimo” show how colonial dehumanisation still pervades U.S. military and political discourse.

Static Linkages

• Human Migration: A natural human phenomenon driven by economic, climatic, and security factors; recognised under Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 13).
• Colonialism and Imperialism: Led to the displacement and exploitation of native populations; parallels drawn with modern neo-imperial economic structures.
• Nation and Identity Formation: The idea of the modern state emerged alongside colonial expansion and the marginalisation of indigenous communities.
• Global Inequality: Postcolonial structures perpetuate disparities between the Global North and South, reflected in migration barriers.
• Ethical Governance: Rooted in the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (world as one family) — aligned with India’s moral- philosophical approach to global justice.

Critical Analysis

• Positive Perspectives:
  • Growing awareness about historical injustices enhances global dialogue on reparations and reconciliation.
  • Shifting from “Columbus Day” to “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” in many U.S. states reflects progress in collective moral consciousness.
  • International human rights frameworks (UNHCR, IOM) provide mechanisms to protect migrants.
• Challenges & Concerns:
  • Persistence of xenophobia and racialised nationalism in policy and public discourse.
  • Political manipulation of migration fears for electoral gains.
  • Historical amnesia—failure to confront past atrocities—fuels biased policymaking.
  • Weak enforcement of international refugee and migrant protection conventions.
  • Climate-induced migration remains unrecognised in international law.

Way Forward

• Reframe Historical Narratives: Incorporate indigenous perspectives and colonial accountability in curricula and policy discourse.
• Human-Centric Immigration Policy: Recognise migration as a human right; reform asylum processes.
• Global North Responsibility: Developed nations must acknowledge historical roles in displacement and support equitable migration governance.
• Ethical Global Leadership: Promote compassion-driven governance, anchored in the principles of justice and shared humanity.
• Cultural Reparations: Restore and preserve indigenous heritage through global cooperation (UNESCO, UNDRIP frameworks)

MISSED OPPORTUNITY

• ASEAN & East Asia Summits 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur; India represented by EAM S. Jaishankar.
• PM Modi (virtual): called 21st century the “century of India & ASEAN”.
• 2026 declared ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation – focus on HADR, maritime security, blue economy.
• Summit amid US tariff tensions, China’s export curbs, and South China Sea disputes.
• AITIGA review to reduce trade deficit and strengthen supply chains.
• PM’s absence drew attention; viewed as a missed diplomatic opportunity.

KEY POINTS

• India–ASEAN Partnership:
  • Dialogue Partner (1995), Summit Level (2002).
  • ASEAN = India’s 4th largest trade partner (~$130 bn trade).
•  Strategic Focus:
  • Support for ASEAN Centrality & AOIP.
  • Quad revival (2017) occurred on ASEAN sidelines.
  • IPOI aligns with AOIP in maritime cooperation.
• Economic Link:
  • AITIGA review for balanced trade, digital economy, and resilient supply chains.

STATIC LINKAGES

• India’s “Act East Policy” evolved from “Look East Policy” (1992) — aimed at economic integration and strategic balancing in East Asia.
• ASEAN Charter (2008) – provides legal identity and centrality framework.
• UNCLOS (1982) – legal foundation for maritime sovereignty; crucial for ASEAN maritime disputes.
• East Asia Summit (EAS) – established in 2005, key regional forum promoting ASEAN centrality in Indo-Pacific.
• Blue Economy & HADR – integral to India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
• Trade Agreements & WTO Principles – underpin the ongoing review of AITIGA for balanced market access.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

• Pros:
  • Reinforces India’s Indo-Pacific presence.
  • Strengthens ASEAN’s unity & blue economy goals.
  • Supports supply chain diversification.
• Challenges:
  • PM’s absence weakens diplomatic optics.
  • ASEAN divided on South China Sea.
  • China’s influence remains dominant.

WAY FORWARD

• Ensure PM-level participation regularly.
• Expedite AITIGA with focus on digital trade.  Enhance naval & HADR cooperation.
• Promote connectivity via Northeast India.
• Deepen people-to-people & educational ties.

• Cyclone Montha, which formed over the Bay of Bengal in late October 2025, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on October 27–28, 2025.
• It impacted north coastal Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Srikakulam, Kakinada, Konaseema) and southern Odisha (Ganjam, Gajapati), leading to heavy rainfall and large-scale evacuations.
• Nearly 10,000 people were evacuated in Andhra Pradesh; Odisha also issued a red alert and deployed NDRF teams.
• Historical context: The 1977 Andhra cyclone and the 1999 Odisha super cyclone (each ~10,000 deaths) remain grim reminders of past devastation. penetration.

Key Points

• IMD Classification: Cyclone Montha was categorized as a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) with wind speeds of 90–100 km/h gusting to 110 km/h.
• Geographical Pattern: The Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea due to warmer SSTs and favorable Coriolis force.
• Government Response:
  • Early Warning Systems: IMD’s real-time monitoring and Doppler radars enabled timely evacuation.
  • Preparedness: Multi-hazard shelters, coastal embankments, and disaster management drills reduced casualties.
• Impact: Livelihoods, livestock, and agriculture (especially paddy and aquaculture) affected severely.
• Inter-agency Coordination: NDMA, SDRF, and local administrations coordinated relief; focus on post- disaster rehabilitation ongoing.

Static Linkages

• Cyclones form over warm seas (>26.5 °C) with low pressure + Coriolis force.
• IMD classifies cyclones from Depression → Super Cyclone.
• Disaster Management Act 2005: NDMA, NDRF, SDMAs.  CRZ Notification 2019 under Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
• Sendai Framework (2015–30): Global DRR roadmap.

Critical Analysis

• Pros:
  • Improved forecast accuracy and evacuation systems drastically reduced human casualties.
  • Institutional synergy between IMD, NDMA, and state governments demonstrates maturing disaster governance.
  • Use of satellite-based alert systems and community volunteers has enhanced response efficiency.
• Cons / Challenges:
  • Economic vulnerability of coastal poor remains high livelihood loss is chronic.
  • Post-disaster recovery remains slow; limited insurance penetration
  • Inadequate focus on eco-sensitive coastal planning and mangrove regeneration.
  • Persistent infrastructure fragility (power, roads, communication) in cyclone-prone zones.
• Stakeholders:
  • Fisherfolk, small farmers, women’s self-help groups, panchayats, disaster management authorities, NGOs, and local industries.

Way Forward

• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): Strengthen ecosystem-based adaptation—mangrove belts, sand dunes, coral reefs.
• Technology Integration: Expand use of AI-based early warning, predictive analytics for evacuation planning 
• Community Resilience: Promote local disaster management committees with real-time coordination power.
• Infrastructure: Adopt Build Back Better approach— climate-resilient housing and renewable energy backup.
• Insurance & Livelihood Support: Expand crop and livestock insurance under PMFBY and NDRF funds.

 THE CHIMERICA CHALLENGE

Context of the News

• Former U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his Asia tour with a high-profile summit with China’s President Xi Jinping in Busan, signaling a potential recalibration in the U.S.–China strategic rivalry.
• This meeting comes amid ongoing trade and technology tensions and speculation about a possible “reset” or limited détente between the two powers.
• India and other Asian nations are closely watching the outcome, given the geopolitical ripple effects of any shift in U.S.–China ties on the Indo-Pacific balance.

Key Points

• Historic Phases:

1. WWII alliance (1940s)
2. Cold War hostility (1950–70s)
3. Economic engagement (1980–2010)
4. Strategic rivalry (post-2017)

• Busan Summit: Possible truce in trade/tech war; reaffirmed support for AUKUS, US–Japan alliance, ASEAN partnership.
• India’s Dilemma: Fear of “entrapment” in US rivalry vs “abandonment” if US–China reconcile
• Structural Reality: US–China rivalry will persist; Asia’s balance hinges on India’s response.

Static Linkages (Integrated Concepts)

• Evolution of Non-Alignment and India’s foreign policy principles since independence.
• Concept of Balance of Power in international relations.
• Cold War and détente — phases, implications for the global order.
• Panchsheel Principles and India– China border conflict context.
• Strategic autonomy as a cornerstone of Indian diplomacy.
• Indo-Pacific strategy, QUAD framework, and maritime geopolitics.

Critical Analysis

• Pros:
  • Stabilises global trade; ensures Indo- Pacific continuity.
  • Opens tech/manufacturing cooperation opportunities.
• Cons:
  • Risk of India’s marginalisation if US– China reconcile.
  • Defence modernisation, economic reforms remain slow.
  • Overdependence on external balancing limits autonomy.
• Stakeholders:
  • India: Seeks balance, not alignment.  US: Balancing trade vs strategy.
  • China: Tactical stability, long-term dominance.

Way Forward

• Deepen economic & defence reforms under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Build tech self-reliance and digital partnerships with allies.
• Maintain strategic autonomy with pragmatic multi-alignment.
• Strengthen ASEAN & Indian Ocean engagement.

SIR,MORE INCLUSIVE

Context of the News

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and one Union Territory, starting November 4, 2025.
• The move follows the Supreme Court’s observations and lessons learned from the Bihar SIR exercise, which faced criticism over procedural rigidity and voter exclusion risks.
• The initiative is significant as it includes poll- bound states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry ahead of their 2026 Assembly Elections.
• The EC aims to make the electoral roll more accurate, inclusive, and accessible, improving voter participation and transparency.

Key Points

• Booth-level Coverage: 5.33 lakh BLOs to visit households; form submission by Dec 4, draft rolls by Dec 9.
• Major Reforms:
  • Voters can link with any last revised roll (not only their current state).
  •   Aadhaar accepted as proof from the start.
  • Citizenship proof still required but criteria relaxed.
• States’ Objections: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal flagged haste and timing (monsoon).
• Objective: Remove errors due to migration, duplication, and deceased voters to strengthen roll accuracy.

Static Linkages

• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Article 324: Vests the ECI with the power to supervise, direct, and control elections.
  • Article 326: Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies based on adult suffrage.
  • Representation of the People Acts (1950 & 1951): Legal framework for electoral rolls and conduct of elections.
• Legal Precedents:
  • People’s Union for Civil Liberties vs. Union of India (2013): Upheld the right to vote as a statutory right.
• Institutional Context:
  • Booth Level Officers (BLOs): Introduced post-2006 for field-level verification.
  • Linkage to Aadhaar: Permitted under the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021 to reduce duplication.
• Governance Aspect:
  • Reflects the principles of inclusiveness, accountability, and transparency in electoral management.

Critical Analysis

• Pros:
  • Improves inclusion and voter access.
  •   Reduces duplication and bogus entries.
  • Incorporates judicial and administrative lessons.
• Concerns:
  • Political mistrust among states.  Timing issues during monsoon.  Aadhaar linkage privacy risks.
  • Weak grievance redressal mechanisms.

Way Forward

• Independent audit of roll revisions.
• Strengthen grievance redressal and digital voter services.
• Ensure Aadhaar linkage remains voluntary.  
• Conduct dynamic, continuous roll updates.
• Public awareness for new and migrant voters.