The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. (UPSC 2013)

Tropical cyclones are named by regional bodies under the World Meteorological Organization to ensure clear, uniform warnings. Names come from pre-approved lists and are assigned once a storm reaches the required intensity. Regional centres name storms basin-wise, using short, simple, culturally neutral, and easy-to-pronounce names. In the North Indian Ocean, the IMD at New Delhi names cyclones over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea from a sequential, non-repeating list. In the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific, rotating lists are reused every six years unless retired. Thus, “Phailin” was a pre-approved name aiding communication and disaster response.