J&K LG, CM war on Statehood
At the Jammu and Kashmir UT Foundation Day event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that the elected Government should not use the absence of Statehood as an excuse for inefficiency, asserting that it already possesses adequate powers. He reiterated Home Minister Amit Shah’s roadmap: delimitation, Assembly elections and eventual restoration of Statehood at an appropriate time. In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rebuffed Sinha’s remarks, saying his Government was working despite obstacles created by the Centre. Abdullah cited worsening unemployment, declining GST revenues and reduced tourism following the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasising that security remains under central control. Highlighting his previous tenure (2009-2014) without tourist attacks, Abdullah urged the Centre to clarify the timeline and criteria for restoring Statehood. He questioned why the Centre hesitates to relinquish control and demanded transparency about the “appropriate time” promised in Parliament and the Supreme Court.
cloud seeding not for Delhi: IIT Study
An IIT Delhi study has concluded that cloud seeding is unsuitable for Delhi’s winter, citing a fundamental lack of moisture and saturation, particularly during December and January — the period of peak pollution. Based on a decade of climatological data, the report found that viable conditions for cloud seeding are extremely rare, as they mostly coincide with natural rainfall caused by Western Disturbances. Even when successful, induced rain would offer only brief pollution relief lasting one to three days. The study noted that high aerosol levels, low moisture depth and vertical separation between pollution and cloud layers complicate operations. It also warned of high costs, limited efficacy, and environmental risks from seeding agents like silver iodide.
Scandal faces UK royals action
King Charles III has formally stripped his younger brother, Andrew, of his title of Prince and all remaining royal honours amid persistent scandals linked to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew has been removed from the official Roll of the Peerage and will henceforth be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on the Royal Lodge at Windsor has been terminated, and he will relocate to a smaller property on the King’s Sandringham Estate. The move follows Andrew’s voluntary decision to relinquish his title of Duke of York and other honours after discussions with the King.
