Governance

The avalanche’s impact generated a powerful displacement wave that breached a second downstream glacial lake, releasing an additional 303,000 cubic metres of water – a combined total equivalent to 185 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The October rains also coincided with the autumn flush, a critical harvest that typically contributes about 15 per cent of Darjeeling’s annual production.

Yadav assessed the compliance status of various Central ministries, municipal authorities, and government bodies in relation to decisions taken earlier – particularly those from a September 16 review.

While the company’s withdrawal may seem abrupt, it is the result of mounting pressures – both internal and external – that eroded its once-thriving business in Pakistan.

The split between the home ministry and the judicial commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki has become increasingly public, reflecting a deeper dilemma: to move swiftly with criminal probes, or to hold back until the commission delivers its findings.

Despite billions invested in reconstruction and ongoing government promises, thousands still reside in temporary shelters, and numerous public buildings, particularly schools and hospitals, remain unrebuilt.

The increase is driven by militant attacks and intensified counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.