'Focus On Local Emissions': Jai Dhar Gupta Hits Out At Delhi GovtSpeaking on Delhi's severe air quality index levels, environmentalist Jai Dhar Gupta argued that farm fires are being scapegoated year after year, noting that 'even at its worst, farm fires do not contribute more than 10 to 13%' of Delhi's pollution mix. Gupta emphasized that the administration must address local emissions rather than looking outside Delhi whenever AQI spikes past 300.
Criticizing both present and past governments, he termed the failure to declare a public health emergency, issue health advisories, and mandate N95 masks a major failure to protect public health and human life.Nagpur Defence Hub Delivers Nagastra-1 Drones to Army, Exports Guided Pinaka RocketsNagpur is rapidly emerging as a major hub for indigenous defence manufacturing a year after Operation Sindoor. Nagpur-based private firm Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited has delivered a batch of 450 indigenously developed Nagastra-1 loitering munitions to the Indian Army following trials in Rajasthan.
Designed to locate and destroy targets such as enemy tanks and armoured vehicles, the anti-tank suicide drone can monitor movements and execute precision strikes. In addition to bolstering domestic armed forces, the defence manufacturing facility has exported 700 guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia, marking a major milestone in India's defence self-reliance and export drive.Punjab PCS Exam Row: BJP Demands CBI Probe, Flags Irregularities as Students Seek Re-evaluationThe declaration of the Punjab Civil Services examination results has triggered political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party alleging malpractices and demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry.
BJP leaders claimed that unusual selection patterns emerged, alleging that 45 percent of candidates qualified from a single room or specific centres, and called for the resignation of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. An unidentified speaker questioned the hesitation of the Aam Aadmi Party leadership to order a probe.
Meanwhile, affected candidates have urged the state government to conduct an immediate re-evaluation, stating that deserving candidates were excluded from selection.Delhi Conducts Two Cloud Seeding Trials to Tackle Severe Air PollutionThe Delhi government has carried out two rounds of cloud seeding trials near the Indira Gandhi International Airport over the past fortnight to explore artificial rain as a solution for rising air pollution. Sources indicate the operations were conducted at an altitude of roughly 30,000 metres, significantly higher than last year's trials.
The exercise involves dispersing substances such as silver iodide and sodium chloride to stimulate precipitation. More trials are expected after the Diwali and Chhath festivals, with official announcements likely deferred until the results prove successful.