Wednesday, June, 03,2026

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Cyclone-Ready: Piloting India’s First-of-its-Kind Parametric Insurance for Coastal Communities

New Delhi: SEEDS, in collaboration with Howden India and the New India Assurance Co. Ltd., has launched a pioneering parametric insurance pilot designed to strengthen the financial resilience of cyclone-affected communities along the eastern coast of India. The pilot was launched on October 29, 2025 - the observance day of the 1999 Super Cyclone that devastated Odisha – in the presence Shri Krishna S. Vatsa Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Shri Safi Ahsan Rizvi Advisor, NDMA.

India has been experiencing an increased number of recurring extreme climate incidents. Over three decades, SEEDS has been on the ground, building rapport with community organizations and is now exploring parametric insurance as a solution for such recurring incidents.

The initiative is currently being piloted with 2,500 families in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, in partnership with Visions Global Empowerment India, which is engaging and building trust with communities. For vulnerable communities, such as fisherfolk who depend on the sea for their livelihood, working alongside them is an intensive and deep exercise. The product provides insurance payouts indexed to predefined cyclone intensity and proximity thresholds, enabling rapid, transparent, and equitable disbursement to insured households.

Each household is covered for INR 25,000 under a one-year policy, with payouts increasing progressively based on wind speed levels during cyclonic events. By linking compensation directly to meteorological data, the model eliminates lengthy claim assessments and ensures faster recovery for affected families.

Over the past two decades, the intensity and frequency of cyclones along India’s coasts have continued to rise. The Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea have witnessed a steady increase in severe storms - from Amphan and Yaas in the east to Tauktae and Biparjoy in the west.

While India’s improved early warning systems and mass evacuations have saved countless lives, the economic toll on coastal families remains crushing. Homes, boats, nets, and daily livelihoods are wiped out within hours, and recovery can take months - sometimes years.

Such disasters delay economic development, deepen gender vulnerabilities, and degrade fragile ecosystems. Each of these impacts comes with a cost, but who bears that cost and when it is felt often varies.

Parametric insurance offers a transformative alternative to traditional, damage-based models. Instead of waiting for loss assessments, payouts are triggered automatically using predefined parameters such as wind speed and cyclone proximity. Based on independently verified data, this ensures swift, transparent, and severity-based compensation. The approach not only shortens recovery time but also provides affected households with dignity and certainty, bridging the critical gap between survival and recovery.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Manu Gupta, Co-Founder, SEEDS says “Parametric insurance represents a shift from reactive relief to proactive resilience. It brings dignity and speed to disaster recovery, ensuring families do not have to wait long for help when a cyclone hits. By linking science, finance, and community action, we are creating a model that not only helps vulnerable households recover faster but also builds their long-term adaptation to a changing climate”

Aditya Verghese SEEDS’ Head Centre of Excellence, Public Finance, who anchors this initiative, said “This is an opportunity to assess if parametric insurance can meet the needs of the most vulnerable coastal communities in the aftermath of disasters such as cyclones. The findings of these initiatives will be used to design and implement similar social protection programs across other geographies and contexts.” 

As India braces for more frequent and intensifying cyclones, particularly between October and December, the pilot underscores the need for pre-emptive, data-driven resilience tools. Insights from Cuddalore and the benefits of such programmes over the next two to three years are expected to inform future models for floods and heatwaves, enabling India to move from reactive relief to proactive recovery.

About Howden: 

Howden is a globally recognized insurance intermediary and risk advisory firm, distinguished by over three decades of proven expertise. Renowned for its ability to develop innovative insurance solutions tailored to complex and unique risk profiles, Howden is pioneer in advancing climate risk mitigation. Its dedicated global climate de-risking team brings deep, cross-sectoral expertise spanning across vulnerable communities, diverse industries, financial markets, and public sector institutions. This enables the delivery of impactful, forward-looking strategies that foster resilience and promote sustainable outcomes worldwide.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mohammad Faizan Huq

Head – Agriculture | Climate Risk_Parametric | Accident & Health

Email: mohammad.huq@howdengroup.com

Phone: +91 7991787875

About New India Assurance Company Limited

State-owned insurer New India Assurance (NIA) is the premier general Insurance company in India and has been at the forefront of introducing many innovative risk solutions over the past few decades. New India Assurance holds the distinction of being the only non -life Insurer recognised by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India ( IRDAI) as a Domestic Systemically Important Insurer  (D-SII). Earlier this year, NIA launched its dedicated Parametric Insurance offerings i.e., Nishchit Suraksha, providing a financial safety net to businesses and vulnerable communities against extreme climatic conditions and natural calamities.

About SEEDS

SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) is a leading non-profit organization with over three decades of experience in building resilience among communities vulnerable to disasters and the impacts of climate change. Combining innovative technologies with traditional wisdom, SEEDS designs and implements solutions that strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. With a special focus on marginalized groups, the organization works closely with local governments and community networks to equip people with the knowledge and resources needed to face future risks with confidence.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sushmita Malaviya

Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing, SEEDS

Email: sushmita@seedsindia.org

Phone: +91 9717243131

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Daily Astro

03-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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03-06-2026