Cyclone Hamoon intensifies into a severe Cyclone, to make landfall tomorrow

The cyclonic storm Hamoon has intensified into a severe cyclonic stone over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and has moved in the northeast direction with a speed of 21 Kmph during the past 6 hours. The system at 5:30 hours IST on October 24th, was near latitude 19.8 and longitude 88.9 degrees east. It was about 230 km east-southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 240 km southeast of Digha (West Bengal), 280 km Southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), and 410 km Southwest of Chittagong (Bangladesh).

It may intensify further into a very severe cyclone for a short duration around the afternoon of October 24th. Its intensity may decrease once again by the evening of October 24th and may become a severe cyclonic storm. It may make landfall over Bangladesh as a cyclonic storm on the afternoon of October 25th near the western site of Chittagong. Wind speed at the time of landfall may be 65 to 75 kmph gusting to 90 kmph.

Moderate to heavy rain has already commenced over parts of Gangetic West Bengal and Southern districts of Bangladesh. Sea conditions are to remain rough to very rough over the West Bengal and Bangladesh coast during the next 48 hours. We expect inundation of low-lying areas over southern parts of Bangladesh. The cyclonic storm Hamoon will lose its intensity before landfall due to increased vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. However, the damage to life and property cannot be ruled out. It is advised to keep away from the coastal areas for at least the next 48 hours and take utmost precautions.

Mumbai weather to be humid as SA clashes with BAN

The 23rd instalment of the World Cup cricket match will be played between South Africa and Bangladesh will be played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai today, i.e. on October 24. The match will commence at 2:00 p.m.. We expect a partly cloudy sky and temperature around 33 degrees at 2:00 p.m. over Mumbai.

Initially, the winds will be from the westerly direction and the speed will be 10 to 12 kmph. Wind direction will change, and winds will be blowing from the Northeast direction after 8:00 p.m.

Humidity will gradually increase and there are chances of mild due during the second half of the match. The temperature will fall gradually and by the fag end of the match it will go down below 30 degrees. We do not expect rain during the match.

The State of the Online Gaming Scene in India

India, a nation renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and diverse traditions, is undergoing a quiet revolution in the realm of gambling. The age-old perception of gambling as a vice is gradually giving way to a more nuanced understanding by society.

In recent years, the gambling landscape in India has witnessed a remarkable transformation, particularly online. The rising popularity of online casinos in India is not merely a trend. It's a seismic shift in how Indians approach gaming and entertainment.

In this post, let’s explore the country’s stance on gambling and what the future holds for it.

The Historical Context

Historically, gambling in India has been a complex and somewhat contentious issue. Traditional forms of betting, such as card games and board games, have deep roots in Indian culture. However, these activities have often been restricted or regulated due to moral concerns and the potential for addiction.

As of now, only 3 states in the country can legally host gambling activities. Sikkim, Daman, and Goa.

The emergence of online casinos in India, however, represents a fresh chapter in the nation's gambling story. These digital platforms offer an array of games, including classics like poker, teen patti, roulette, and slot machines. Players get to access them from the comfort of one's home or on a mobile device.

The Statistics Tell the Story

Statistical data reflects the surging interest in online casinos among Indians. According to a report published by Statista, the revenue generated by the online gambling sector in India is projected to reach approximately $1.1 billion by 2024. This staggering growth is indicative of the burgeoning appetite for digital gambling experiences.

One of the key drivers of this trend is the widespread availability of smartphones and high-speed internet connections. India is witnessing a smartphone revolution, with millions of people gaining access to the internet for the first time. This accessibility has opened the door to a vast audience eager to explore online casinos.

Regulation and Challenges

The rise of online casinos in India has not been without its share of challenges and regulatory complexities. The legal framework surrounding gambling in the country is a patchwork of state and federal laws, and it's still evolving to accommodate the digital age.

Believe it or not, it still operates based on the Public Gambling Act of 1867! As you’d expect, it’s not inclusive of online gambling. This legal uncertainty has led to a diverse landscape where operators must navigate a complex web of regulations. But in most cases, they get accepted players from India due to the unregulated nature of the industry.

The Appeal of Online Casinos

So, what makes online casinos so appealing to Indians? From what we’ve seen, several factors contribute to their growing popularity. Let’s take a brief look.

• Convenience: Online casinos offer the convenience of gaming from anywhere, at any time, eliminating the need to visit physical casinos.

• Variety: These platforms boast a diverse range of games, catering to a wide spectrum of interests and preferences.

• Bonuses and Promotions: Online casinos often entice players with enticing bonuses and promotions, enhancing the gaming experience.

• Privacy and Security: Reputable online casinos prioritize data security and offer a safe and private gaming environment.

• Global Reach: Indians can explore international online casinos, broadening their horizons and experiencing different gaming cultures.

Responsible Gambling Landscape in India

As the popularity of online casinos in India continues to soar, responsible gambling has become a crucial concern. Operators and regulators are taking steps to promote responsible gaming practices, including setting limits on deposits and losses and offering resources for those who may be at risk of developing gambling-related problems.

The future of online casinos in India is undeniably promising. With an expanding audience, advancing technology, and evolving regulations, these platforms are poised for further growth. However, responsible gaming practices and effective regulation will play pivotal roles in shaping this emerging industry.

Clear weather and cool nights for Northwest India

Northwest India has been seeing clear weather conditions after the passage of the Western Disturbance. Skies are clear for the entire region and no system is expected anytime soon.

The weather is expected to remain cool with the minimums settling between 15 and 18 degrees. No rise in these temperatures is expected and they will continue to hang around mid-teens only across Northwest India.

The only parts that might see slightly higher minimums are the western parts of Haryana including Hisar and Narnaul because of their proximity to Rajasthan. Cities of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Karnal, Ambala, and Delhi may see clear weather itself with no large fluctuations.

We can expect a fall of a degree in the next two days. Day temperatures will be pleasantly warm and won't exceed 30 degrees by a big margin.

Vijay Dashmi celebrations in Kolkata to get affected in view of rains due to Cyclone Hamoon

The city of Kolkata has been enjoying the Durga Puja festivities for the past few days and the weather has been kind enough.

However, a Cyclonic Storm has formed in the Bay of Bengal. It is away from the coast but will be keeping the coastline to its left in close proximity. The system is headed for Bangladesh thus, no danger is likely for the Indian coast.

Thus, under the influence of the system, parts of Gangetic West Bengal including Kolkata may see rain and thundershowers which will be widespread in nature.

Rains will commence this evening itself. These showers will continue today and also be seen tomorrow. Thus, Vijay Dashmi celebrations may be affected in Kolkata due to the rains seen in view of Cyclone Hamoon.

Cyclone Hamoon forms in Bay of Bengal, to head towards Bangladesh

Updated at 6:30 p.m., Oct 23, 2023: The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has finally intensified to Cyclonic Storm Hamoon today. The system is expected to move northeastwards, nearly parallel to the Indian coast, and will thereafter head for Bangladesh.

It is expected to have a short stint as a Cyclone and will make landfall by tomorrow itself. The storm is likely to weaken way before it makes landfall over the Bangladesh coast, close to Chittagong.

Published at 3:00 p.m., Oct 23, 2023: The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) is now centered around 17.5°N and 85.1°E, about 300km east abeam Vizag and nearly 700 km south of Kolkata. Though, the system is not very far from the landmass, but still positioned in favourable waters and environmental conditions. The sea surface is warm enough (29-30°C), vertical wind shear is light (10-15Kts) and decent poleward outflow support intensification.

Deep depression is likely to become a named storm ‘Hamoon’ as proposed by Iran, by today evening. The system will have a short stint of about 24 hours, as a storm before it weakens over the sea itself. The deep depression has already taken a recourse northeastward, moving parallel to the coastline of Odisha and West Bengal. Since the storm is keeping a distance of over 150 km from the coast, there is no serious threat to the Indian region. The proximity of land and drop in sea surface temperature will weaken the system to a deep depression or depression, well before it makes landfall over Bangladesh, near Chittagong.

As the storm skirts the coastline, no damaging rains and strong winds are anticipated for Odisha and West Bengal. Since the left quadrants of the system will have close vicinity to the coastline of these two states, moderately strong winds and intermittent showers are expected over Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal. Locations like Puri, Satapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Baleswar, Jaleswar, Digha, Contai, Diamond Harbour, Nandigram, Kolkata, Basirhat can expect rain and thundershower activity over the next 2 days.

The wet spell may interrupt the festive activities of Vijay Dashmi for these two states on the 23rd and 24th of October. Weather conditions will ease out on 25th October over the entire region. The tropical storm, a little early in the season, leaves a lot of scope to have another one before winding up of post-monsoon season.

[Hindi] बंगाल की खाड़ी पर डीप डिप्रेशन, बनेगा चक्रवात हामून और बढ़ेगा बांग्लादेश की ओर

बंगाल की खाड़ी (BoB) पर डीप डिप्रेशन अब 17.5°N और 85.1°E के आसपास केंद्रित है, जो विजाग से लगभग 300 किमी पूर्व और कोलकाता से लगभग 700 किमी दक्षिण में है। हालाँकि, यह प्रणाली भूभाग से बहुत दूर नहीं है, लेकिन फिर भी अनुकूल जल और पर्यावरणीय परिस्थितियों में स्थित है। समुद्र की सतह पर्याप्त गर्म (29-30°C), ऊर्ध्वाधर पवन कतरनी हल्की (10-15Kts) और सभ्य ध्रुवीय बहिर्वाह समर्थन तीव्रता है।

डीप डिप्रेशन के आज शाम तक 'हामून' नामक तूफान बनने की संभावना है, जिसका नाम ईरान द्वारा प्रस्तावित है। समुद्र के ऊपर कमजोर होने से पहले यह सिस्टम एक तूफान के रूप में लगभग 24 घंटे का छोटा कार्यकाल रखेगा। डीप डिप्रेशन ने पहले ही उत्तर-पूर्व की ओर रुख कर लिया है, जो ओडिशा और पश्चिम बंगाल के समुद्र तट के समानांतर चल रहा है। चूंकि तूफान तट से 150 किमी से अधिक की दूरी बनाए हुए है, इसलिए भारतीय क्षेत्र के लिए कोई गंभीर खतरा नहीं है। भूमि की निकटता और समुद्र की सतह के तापमान में गिरावट से यह प्रणाली कमजोर होकर एक डीप डिप्रेशन या डिप्रेशन में तब्दील हो जाएगी, इससे पहले कि यह चिट्टागोंग के पास बांग्लादेश में दस्तक दे।

चूंकि तूफान समुद्र तट के करीब है, इसलिए ओडिशा और पश्चिम बंगाल में कोई नुकसानदेह बारिश और तेज हवाएं चलने की उम्मीद नहीं है। चूंकि सिस्टम का बायां चतुर्थांश इन दोनों राज्यों के समुद्र तट के करीब होगा, इसलिए ओडिशा और गंगीय पश्चिम बंगाल में मध्यम तेज हवाएं और रुक-रुक कर बारिश होने की उम्मीद है। पुरी, सातपाड़ा, जगतसिंहपुर, केंद्रपाड़ा, भद्रक, जाजपुर, बालेश्वर, जलेश्वर, दीघा, कोंटाई, डायमंड हार्बर, नंदीग्राम, कोलकाता, बशीरहाट जैसे स्थानों पर अगले 2 दिनों में बारिश और गरज के साथ बारिश हो सकती है।

बारिश के कारण 23 और 24 अक्टूबर को इन दोनों राज्यों में विजय दशमी की उत्सव गतिविधियों में बाधा आ सकती है। 25 अक्टूबर को पूरे क्षेत्र में मौसम की स्थिति ठीक हो जाएगी। मौसम की शुरुआत में उष्णकटिबंधीय तूफान, मानसून के बाद के मौसम के समाप्त होने से पहले एक और तूफान आने की काफी गुंजाइश छोड़ देता है।

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Tej' To Make Landfall Tonight

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (ESCS) ‘Tej’ over the far Arabian Sea is likely to make landfall late tonight or very early hours of 24th Oct 2023. Presently, the storm is centred around 14.4°N and 53.4°E, about 165 NM south-southwest of Salalah. It will continue moving northwestward and head for Yemen-Oman border and cross coast around midnight. It is likely to weaken rapidly before crossing the coastline.

ESCS has already crossed abeam Socotra (Yemen), keeping the Island to its left and approaching the coast moving with a speed of 15 kmh. The core of the storm will weaken rapidly for multiple reasons. A drop in the sea surface temperatures has reduced the heat potential. The proximity of the coastline is enhancing land interaction. Also, dry air entrainment will degrade the structure and erode warm-core characteristics. Overall, the storm will weaken to a severe cyclonic storm at the time of landfall. Still, the winds may be as strong as 120-140kmh and accompanied by torrential rains in the coastal areas.

The forward section of the storm has already reached the coastline. Moderately strong winds and intermittent heavy rains have started lashing the coastal and adjacent interior parts. However, the worst is yet to come, with a deadly combination of high-speed winds and blinding rains. The storm may hold its grade for at least 6-8 hours after crossing the coast and thereafter weaken to a depression over deep interior parts of Yemen and Oman.

Indian seas have been experiencing intense tropical storms, at least, since last 5 years. A minimum of one or at times even two ESCS have been witnessed on either side of the Indian coastline. Even, a super cyclone ‘Amphan’ ravaged West Bengal in 2020. This is the 6th consecutive year for the Indian Seas to host an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm. Post-monsoon 2023 is likely to have the distinction of hosting simultaneous tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Another cyclone, albeit mild, as compared to ‘Tej’ is expected over the North Bay of Bengal within the next 12 hours. Of course, the storm will take a convenient recourse to head for Bangladesh.

Sultry weather in Chennai as PAK locks horns with AFG in WC Match 22

Yesterday's World Cup game was a thrilling encounter between India and New Zealand, where Kohli's great innings with the bat and Shami's magic with the ball helped India reach the target an over before the game ended.

The 22nd instalment of the World Cup cricket match will be played between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Chennai at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on October 23rd, i.e. today. The match will start at 2:00 p.m. The temperature at the time of the commencement of the match will be around 33 degrees.

The weather will be sultry. We do not expect rain during the match but the sky will remain partly cloudy. Humidity will be in the range of 40 to 65%. Chances of mild dew persist in the second half of the match. Light winds will continue to blow from the easterly direction. There will be a gradual fall in temperature as the match progresses. The weather will become comfortable after 8:00 p.m. And temperatures will be below 30.

[Hindi] चक्रवात तेज अत्यंत गंभीर चक्रवाती तूफान में हुआ तब्दील, यमन-ओमान तट के बीच होगा लैंडफॉल

सीज़न का पहला चक्रवाती तूफ़ान तेज जो कल ही अरब सागर में बना, वह अति गंभीर चक्रवाती तूफ़ान में बदलने के बाद एक अत्यंत गंभीर चक्रवाती तूफान में तब्दील हो गया।

सुबह के घंटों के दौरान, अत्यंत भीषण तूफान अक्षांश 12.3 डिग्री उत्तर और देशांतर 55.4 डिग्री पूर्व के पास, सोकोट्रा के लगभग 160 किमी एसएसई, सलालाह के 540 किमी एसएसई और अल घदिया के 550 किमी दक्षिण पूर्व में केंद्रित था। तूफान के उत्तर-पश्चिम दिशा में बढ़ने की उम्मीद है और कल यानी 24 अक्टूबर तक सलालाह के करीब यमन और ओमान सीमा के बीच तट को पार कर जाएगा।

जमीन से टकराने से काफी पहले तेज के जमीन की निकटता के कारण घर्षण और समुद्र की सतह के तापमान में गिरावट के कारण कमजोर होने और गंभीर चक्रवाती तूफान में तब्दील होने की आशंका है।

Depression over Bay of Bengal to intensify into a deep depression soon

The depression over West Central Bay of Bengal has moved at a speed of 6 kmph during the last 6 hours and lay centered at 0530 hours IST today, October 22nd, over West Central Bay of Bengal near latitude 14.9 degree north and longitude 86.1. It was about 600 km south of Paradip (Odisha), 760 km south of Digha West Bengal), and 900 km southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh).

It is expected to intensify further into a deep depression by the evening or night of October 22nd. Initially, it will move in the Northwest direction towards the north Andhra Pradesh coast. Thereafter, it may re-curve north-northeastward, towards Gangetic West Bengal and Bangladesh coast.

Wind speed may increase gradually. Sea conditions will remain rough over north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast during the next 24 hours. Wind speed may be 40 to 50 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph. Wind speed will increase over Gangetic West Bengal and Bangladesh coast from October 23rd and will continue until October 25th.

Light rain may commence over Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal by the evening of October 22nd. There are chances of moderate to heavy rain over the North coast of Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Bangladesh on October 23rd and 24th.

We do not expect the system to cross the Indian coast and will keep a safe distance from the Coast of Odisha and West Bengal. There is a slight chance that the system may become a Cyclone, but we will keep a watch over the weather system and keep updating.

Northeast Monsoon sees a weaker start, significant rains not likely

The northeast monsoon has commenced with a delay of a few days. North Easterly and easterly winds have strengthened over the Bay of Bengal. The depression over West Central Bay of Bengal will continue to move in the Northwest direction initially and then re-curve in North Northeast direction. This particular weather system over the Bay of Bengal may obstruct the Northeasterly flow of winds.

The Northeast monsoon has commenced but we do not expect any significant weather activity over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for at least the next 2 to 3 days. There may be moderate rains with isolated heavy spells over Southern parts of Tamil Nadu and South Kerala but typical monsoon rains will remain absent. We can say that the Northeast monsoon has started but on a weaker note.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu usually receive a major amount of rainfall during the Northeast monsoon season between October and December.