Pioneer in short
Nepal revives border dispute
Nepal has released a redesigned Rs100 currency note featuring its revised national map that includes Indian territories — Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura — potentially reviving a long-running border dispute. The Nepal Rastra Bank said the note, dated 2081 BS (2024) and signed by former governor Maha Prasad Adhikari, reflects the political map adopted in 2020 and mandated by Parliament. Although Nepal’s currency has long displayed a national map, only the Rs100 note carries it, giving the updated boundaries significant symbolic reach through daily circulation. The disputed Himalayan tri-junction has been contested for decades, with tensions spiking in 2020 when Nepal constitutionalised its claim and India termed the move a “unilateral” expansion. The redesigned note retains traditional motifs including Mt Everest, the rhododendron watermark, the Ashoka Pillar, and a rhino on the reverse. The move underscores Kathmandu’s intent to assert its territorial position, potentially testing diplomatic ties with New Delhi.
No magic wand: SC on pollution
The Supreme Court on Thursday scheduled a hearing for December 3 to review the worsening air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region, stressing the need for continuous monitoring. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, responded to submissions from senior advocate and amicus curiae Aparajita Singh, who warned that Delhi-NCR was facing an “alarming” pollution level amounting to a public health emergency. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the CJI said the judiciary lacked a “magic wand” to instantly improve air quality and emphasised that expert-driven, long-term solutions were essential.
TN, Andhra brace for cyclone
Cyclonic storm Ditwah, formed from a deep depression near the Sri Lanka coast, is moving toward the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra coasts, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai said on Thursday. RMC Director B Amudha warned of strong winds, heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions over the coming days, though forecasts do not currently upgrade the system to a severe cyclone. Red alerts have been issued for the Cauvery delta districts — Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai — while Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet and Chengalpattu are under orange alert for November 29-30.
