Land & Environment 16 November 2026
Cyclone Akvan Brews Over Bay of Bengal; IMD Predicts Heavy Rain and Severe Storm Conditions
Why in the News?
According to the India Meteorological Department (**IMD**) bulletin issued on **November 15, 2026**, a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression. The IMD has warned that the system is likely to escalate into a cyclonic storm, to be named **Cyclone Akvan**, by November 16, and potentially a severe cyclonic storm by November 17, 2026.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Movement & Wind Intensity:
- The system is tracking north-northwestwards towards the central Bay of Bengal, with sustained wind speeds expected to reach 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph by November 17.
- Origin and Meaning of the Name 'Akvan':
- Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named sequentially by 13 member countries.
- The name **Akvan was contributed by Iran**.
- Rooted in Persian mythology and Ferdowsi’s epic literary masterpiece *Shahnameh*, Akvan is a demon-like character.
- Affected Regions & States:
- **Andaman and Nicobar Islands:** Heavy rainfall expected.
- **Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha:** Heavy downpours projected for November 18 and 19.
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Static GK Facts:
- North Indian Ocean Cyclone Naming:
- Managed by: **IMD and 12 other nations** (Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, Yemen).
- India Meteorological Department (IMD):
- Established: **1875** | Headquarters: **New Delhi** | Parent Ministry: **Ministry of Earth Sciences**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which country proposed the name 'Akvan' for the tropical cyclone brewing over the Bay of Bengal in November 2026?
A: Iran
Q: From which classical Persian literary epic is the name 'Akvan' derived?
A: Shahnameh (by Ferdowsi)
Q: Where is the headquarters of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) located?
A: New Delhi
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