In short: “Helping hand: On Cyclones Arnab and Murasu” credits preparedness for limiting deaths, and asks for better crop insurance and more central support for rebuilding (GS Paper 3). “Damning report: On Justice Muralidhar’s report on Israeli atrocities” discusses a UN inquiry’s findings, which Israel denies, the limits of UN action and India’s silence on the report (GS Paper 2).
Editorial 1: Helping hand, on Cyclones Arnab and Murasu (disaster management and federal finance)
The Hindu, 5 November 2026 · GS Paper 3: Disaster and disaster management; crop insurance; GS Paper 2: Federal structure, devolution of finances
Why is it in the news?
Two cyclones hit the Andhra Pradesh coast within a week: Arnab made landfall on 28 October and Murasu crossed the coast on 3 November. The State reported 12 deaths. Damage from Arnab in Andhra Pradesh is put at about ₹4,526 crore, and it also hit nearly 90,000 hectares of standing crops in southern Odisha. Early estimates say Murasu affected about 52,500 hectares of crops.
Then and now
| Measure | Cyclone Hudhud (October 2014) | Arnab and Murasu (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in Andhra Pradesh | 63 | 12 |
| Estimated damage | Nearly ₹22,000 crore | About ₹4,526 crore from Arnab; Murasu still being assessed |
The two sets of figures are not directly comparable, because each cyclone differs in strength and track. They do show the direction of change, which the editorial links to long-term preparedness and the use of technology through the Real Time Governance Society.
What does the editorial argue?
- Preparedness and a quick response limited casualties, and personnel from Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu also came to help.
- As disasters become more frequent, higher education institutions, especially in science and technology, should work more closely with government agencies.
- An effective framework for compensating crop losses is needed, as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has not given farmers comprehensive cover.
- The Centre should improve the scheme so that all farmers join, while States should raise awareness and top up its benefits.
- The Centre added recovery and reconstruction to the National and State Disaster Response Funds after the 15th Finance Commission’s nudge, but extensive infrastructure damage calls for additional help in a spirit of cooperative federalism.
The other side
| Concern raised | Response / position |
|---|---|
| The Centre should pay more | Under the existing system, States hold SDRF money as the first resort, and central help follows an assessment by an inter-ministerial team. |
| PMFBY does not protect all farmers | Enrolment was made voluntary in 2020 at farmers’ demand; the premium paid by farmers is kept low and the rest is shared by governments, so wider cover also means a higher fiscal cost. |
| Each big cyclone needs special aid | Finance Commissions set disaster allocations in advance to make funding rule-based instead of case by case. |
Way forward
- Speed up crop loss assessment with satellites, drones and smart sampling, and pay claims on time.
- Review PMFBY design for tenant farmers and repeat-disaster districts, where premiums and cover are hardest to get right.
- Build power lines, roads and embankments to stronger standards, so that money spent on recovery also reduces future losses.
- Use the mitigation funds created on the 15th Finance Commission’s advice for coastal shelters and early warning.
- Share Andhra Pradesh and Odisha’s practices with other coastal States.
Conclusion: India has become much better at saving lives in cyclones. The next task is to protect livelihoods and rebuild better, which needs insurance that works and fair sharing of costs between the Centre and the States.
Editorial 2: Damning report, on the UN inquiry into Israel and the Palestinian territories
The Hindu, 5 November 2026 · GS Paper 2: Effect of policies of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; important international institutions; India and West Asia
Why is it in the news?
The chairperson of the UN’s International Commission of Inquiry on Israel and the Palestinian territories, retired Indian judge Justice S. Muralidhar, briefed the UN General Assembly on its latest report. According to the editorial, he could not present it in person because the U.S. withheld a visa. The Commission concludes that Israeli security forces continued to commit grave crimes, including genocide, a year after the ceasefire of October 2025. Israel denies these findings.
What does the report say, according to the editorial?
- It focuses on killings and bodily and mental harm by state actors, drawing on medical records, satellite images, forensic analysis, witness testimony and videos.
- It finds that soldiers targeted civilians, including with the use of Artificial Intelligence to identify targets.
- Justice Muralidhar said more than 75,000 Palestinians, including 21,500 children and 11,000 women, have been killed since 2023.
- It asks UN members to use all means to prevent genocide, investigate and prosecute suspects, and set clear rules for AI use in conflicts.
What does the editorial argue?
- The findings have caused shock but little action, as the General Assembly cannot enforce its resolutions and the Security Council lacks consensus because of U.S. support for Israel.
- India upholds Palestinian rights and sends humanitarian aid, but it has avoided any step that could harm ties with Israel.
- The editorial says India has abstained on UN resolutions and continued supplying military items, and that the Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the Commission’s findings.
- It concludes that this silence conflicts with India’s stated principles and could place it on the wrong side of history.
The other side
| Point in the editorial | Other positions |
|---|---|
| The findings are conclusive | Israel rejects them, says it acts in self-defence after the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, and has accused the Commission of bias. A determination of genocide in law rests with courts; South Africa’s case against Israel is before the International Court of Justice. |
| India has stayed silent | India condemns terrorism, supports a two-State solution and sends aid. Its votes have varied: it voted for the December 2023 UNGA ceasefire resolution and abstained in June 2025. |
| India should speak out | India has defence, technology and diaspora interests in West Asia, including ties with Israel and Arab States, and it usually avoids public criticism of partners. |
Way forward
- Support full humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, in line with international humanitarian law.
- Back credible legal processes, while stating India’s position clearly and consistently at the UN.
- Continue support for a negotiated two-State solution, and aid for reconstruction.
- Take part in global work on rules for the military use of AI, an issue that concerns all countries.
Conclusion: The report tests the UN system and the principles of member-states alike. For India, the challenge is to balance strategic ties with a clear commitment to international law and civilian protection.
Key Facts for Prelims
- Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides for the NDRF (Section 46), SDRF (Section 48) and the National Disaster Management Authority, chaired by the Prime Minister.
- The Centre contributes 75% to the SDRF, and 90% for North Eastern and Himalayan States.
- PMFBY (launched 2016): farmers pay 2% for kharif, 1.5% for rabi and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops.
- IMD in New Delhi is the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre that names cyclones over the North Indian Ocean.
- Genocide Convention, 1948: India ratified it in 1959.
- International Criminal Court: set up under the Rome Statute (1998), seated at The Hague. The ICJ is a principal UN organ; the ICC is not a UN organ.
Practice Questions
Prelims MCQs
Q1. With reference to disaster finance in India, consider the following statements:
1. The State Disaster Response Fund is constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
2. The Centre contributes 75% to the SDRF of most States.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (c) Both are correct. Section 48 of the 2005 Act provides for the SDRF. The Centre pays 75%, and 90% for North Eastern and Himalayan States.
Q2. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the maximum premium payable by a farmer for kharif food and oilseed crops is:
- 1.5%
- 2%
- 5%
- 10%
Show answer
Answer: (b) Farmers pay 2% for kharif, 1.5% for rabi and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops.
Q3. With reference to the International Criminal Court, consider the following statements:
1. India is a party to the Rome Statute.
2. It is a principal organ of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (d) Neither is correct. India has not joined the Rome Statute, and the ICC is an independent court. The ICJ is the UN’s principal judicial organ.
Mains Practice Questions
Q. India has reduced deaths from cyclones but not the economic losses they cause. Discuss the gaps in disaster finance and crop insurance, and suggest measures to address them. (15 marks, 250 words)
Approach: Introduce with the recent cyclones and the Hudhud comparison. In the body, cover NDRF and SDRF, the 15th Finance Commission, PMFBY limits and resilient rebuilding. Conclude on protecting livelihoods.
Q. How should India balance its strategic interests with its commitment to international law in the West Asian conflict? Discuss in the light of recent developments at the United Nations. (15 marks, 250 words)
Approach: Introduce the UN report and the differing positions. In the body, cover India’s ties with Israel and Arab States, its votes, Palestinian rights, the limits of UN bodies and legal processes. Conclude on a consistent, principled approach.
FAQs
What were The Hindu editorials on 5 November 2026?
The Hindu editorials on 5 November 2026 covered the response to Cyclones Arnab and Murasu and disaster finance, and the UN Commission of Inquiry report on Israel and the Palestinian territories.
What is the difference between NDRF and SDRF?
Both are funds under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The SDRF is the first resort for notified disasters in a State, and the NDRF supplements it in cases of severe disasters.
Who chairs the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Palestinian territories?
According to The Hindu, retired Indian judge Justice S. Muralidhar chairs the commission, and he briefed the UN General Assembly on its latest report.
Is India a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court?
No. India has not signed the Rome Statute of 1998, and Israel and the United States are also not parties to the International Criminal Court.
हिंदी सारांश
5 नवंबर 2026 के द हिंदू के पहले संपादकीय में चक्रवात अर्णब और मुरासु का उल्लेख है, जिनमें बेहतर तैयारी और तकनीक से जनहानि कम रही। संपादकीय फसल बीमा योजना में सुधार, स्थायी पुनर्निर्माण के लिए अतिरिक्त केंद्रीय सहायता और सहकारी संघवाद पर ज़ोर देता है। दूसरा संपादकीय न्यायमूर्ति एस. मुरलीधर की अध्यक्षता वाले संयुक्त राष्ट्र जाँच आयोग की रिपोर्ट पर है, जिसमें इज़राइली सुरक्षा बलों पर गंभीर अपराधों के निष्कर्ष दिए गए हैं; इज़राइल इनसे इनकार करता है। संपादकीय के अनुसार भारत की चुप्पी उसके घोषित सिद्धांतों से मेल नहीं खाती।
Sources: The Hindu: Helping hand, on Cyclones Arnab and Murasu (editorial, 5 Nov 2026); The Hindu: Damning report, on Justice Muralidhar’s report (editorial, 5 Nov 2026).
Related reading on GSMitra: Daily Editorial Analysis 29 October 2026 (Cyclone Arnab), Daily Editorial Analysis 4 November 2026, PIB News Today for UPSC: 5 November 2026.
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