News for 'pollution'

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Diets rich in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats tend to result in quicker growth and earlier puberty, notes Dr Rohan Palshetkar, head of unit bloom IVF, DY Patil School of Medicine.

Inhalers to the rescue as England players battle pollution in India

Inhalers to the rescue as England players battle pollution in India

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

'Whether it was air quality or what, it was definitely an experience I've not had before.'

Union Carbide waste incineration begins on trial basis in MP

Union Carbide waste incineration begins on trial basis in MP

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The trial incineration of 10 tonnes of waste from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, responsible for the 1984 gas tragedy, began on Friday afternoon in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The process, ordered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, is expected to take 72 hours to complete. The waste includes soil, reactor residues, pesticide residues, and other materials. The State Pollution Control Board says the chemicals in the waste have become "almost negligible" and there is no presence of methyl isocyanate gas. The incineration process is being monitored by the Pollution Control Board and broadcast live.

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028, which will mark the conclusion of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once in 12 years.

How to Protect Your Lungs From Poor AQI

How to Protect Your Lungs From Poor AQI

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Dr Sneha Tirpude, a pulmonologist at Pune's Ruby Hall Clinic, suggests simple measures to protect your lungs when the air quality is poor.

Delhi air quality plummets to alarming levels despite curbs

Delhi air quality plummets to alarming levels despite curbs

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Delhi's air quality plummeted to alarming levels on Tuesday after 24 days, with many areas witnessing a significant spike in pollution despite the strictest measures, including a ban on construction activities and the entry of trucks into the city, coming into force.

Prices of EVs to be same as petrol cars in 6 months, says Gadkari

Prices of EVs to be same as petrol cars in 6 months, says Gadkari

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Prices of electric vehicles (EVs) will be equal to those of petrol vehicles in the country within six months, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday.

5 Cleanest Countries In The World

5 Cleanest Countries In The World

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Want to breathe pollution-free air? Here are 5 countries known for their cleanliness and stringent environmental laws.

SC relief for Jaggi Vasudev's yoga centre in green norm case

SC relief for Jaggi Vasudev's yoga centre in green norm case

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has refused to interfere with a Madras High Court order quashing notices issued by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) against Isha Foundation, founded by Jaggi Vasudev. The notices were issued for alleged violation of environmental norms in the construction of a yoga and meditation center in Coimbatore. The court, however, emphasized that its order should not be seen as a precedent for regularizing illegal constructions and that Isha Foundation must comply with all environmental norms. The foundation had argued that its facilities fall under the education category, which exempts them from needing environmental clearance.

Where Does Shashi Tharoor Go From Here?

Where Does Shashi Tharoor Go From Here?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The political and ideological differences between the Congress and Shashi Tharoor is no longer a matter of whispers.

Gas chamber: Delhi chokes at 'alarming' AQI of 428

Gas chamber: Delhi chokes at 'alarming' AQI of 428

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

'The pollution has increased. We are facing breathing problems and irritation in the eyes'

Iranian port blast toll rises to 14, about 750 hurt

Iranian port blast toll rises to 14, about 750 hurt

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The Iranian government has said that the explosion was likely related to chemicals being stored.

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion and has directed law enforcement agencies to take prompt action against loudspeakers that violate noise pollution norms. The court also ordered the state government to direct religious institutions to adopt mechanisms for controlling noise levels, including calibrated sound systems with auto-decibel limits. The decision came in response to a petition filed by two housing associations alleging police inaction against noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on mosques in the area.

'Situation not ideal': Rohit on alarming pollution level

'Situation not ideal': Rohit on alarming pollution level

Rediff.com1 Nov 2023

India captain Rohit Sharma expressed deep concerns about the vitiated air quality in Indian cities.

Delhi's air quality likely to dip, anti-pollution plan kicks in

Delhi's air quality likely to dip, anti-pollution plan kicks in

Rediff.com21 Oct 2023

Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 248 on Saturday.

Modi's warning to Pakistan in Kanpuriya lingo draws cheers

Modi's warning to Pakistan in Kanpuriya lingo draws cheers

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the world has seen the power of India's indigenous weapons during Operation Sindoor, which is 'not over yet'.

Union Carbide waste burning trial likely from today, 500 cops deployed

Union Carbide waste burning trial likely from today, 500 cops deployed

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The first round of trial incineration of 10 tonnes of waste connected to the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy has begun in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, amid tight security. The Supreme Court refused to intervene in the MP High Court's order directing the transfer and disposal of waste at a private company-operated plant in Pithampur. The trial incineration is being conducted in the presence of scientists from the central and state pollution control boards. Protesters have expressed apprehensions about harm to the human population and environment due to the disposal of this waste, but the state government has rejected these concerns, saying that solid arrangements are in place for safe disposal.

When Delhi CM Rekha Gupta felt like Nayak's Anil Kapoor

When Delhi CM Rekha Gupta felt like Nayak's Anil Kapoor

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said she felt like the protagonist of the Hindi movie Nayak after being selected for the post and asserted that it was not a 'lottery' but an honour for all daughters of the country.

Renters, Loss and Liability Cover Are Essential

Renters, Loss and Liability Cover Are Essential

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Tenants should primarily buy contents insurance. 'This covers personal belongings like electronics, furniture, clothes, and appliances against risks such as fire, theft, floods, and other natural calamities.

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

On the 134th birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Utkarsh Mishra revisits three incidents from Dr B R Ambedkar's life that lay bare the deeply entrenched nature of caste prejudice.

Waqf Act: Assam's Cachar under prohibitory orders after violence

Waqf Act: Assam's Cachar under prohibitory orders after violence

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent in Cachar district of Assam on Sunday, with protesters throwing stones at police and the police using batons to disperse the crowd. The incident occurred in Berenga area of Silchar town where around 300-400 people protested without permission. The Cachar district administration imposed prohibitory measures across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent further unrest. The order prohibits gatherings of five or more people without permission, carrying weapons, organizing protests, and traffic disruptions.

Delhi's air quality worsens, over Rs 5.85 cr fine imposed

Delhi's air quality worsens, over Rs 5.85 cr fine imposed

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

The city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm daily, stood at 417, making it the worst in the country. On Friday, the AQI level was 396.

Elections, festivities, and pollution weigh on India's cement demand

Elections, festivities, and pollution weigh on India's cement demand

Rediff.com24 Nov 2023

India's cement demand has consistently shown double-digit growth over the past few quarters, primarily driven by infrastructure spending. However, dealers and industry executives note that state elections, festival season, and, in some markets, weddings and pollution may temporarily disrupt this demand story. While the festival season typically sees a slowdown in construction activity, some dealers anticipate this lull extending throughout the entire month as multiple states enter election mode.

Now CPCB report says Sangam water fit for bathing during Kumbh

Now CPCB report says Sangam water fit for bathing during Kumbh

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

A new report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted to the National Green Tribunal has said that the water quality during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj was fit for bathing, despite earlier reports indicating otherwise. The report, based on statistical analysis of water samples collected during the Kumbh, found that the median values for key parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and fecal coliform count were within permissible limits. However, the report acknowledges significant variability in data due to factors like upstream activities and sampling conditions. The matter is set for hearing on April 7.

Tharoor in diplomatic delegation: Cong accuses govt of playing politics

Tharoor in diplomatic delegation: Cong accuses govt of playing politics

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The opposition party's attack came after Shashi Tharoor, not part of the four leaders nominated by the Congress, was named as the head of a delegation to key partner countries to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following Operation Sindoor.

Mumbai wakes up to layer of smog, air quality worsens

Mumbai wakes up to layer of smog, air quality worsens

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The AQI recorded in Mumbai at 8 am was 131, categorised as 'moderate', as per the Central Pollution Control Board.

Delhi results a referendum on Kejriwal, not Modi: Cong

Delhi results a referendum on Kejriwal, not Modi: Cong

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Results of the Delhi assembly election are not a vindication of Prime Minister's Narendra Modi's policies but a referendum on Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress said on Saturday as it vowed to bounce back from another whitewash.

Delhi govt orders to shut primary schools for 2 days due to rising pollution

Delhi govt orders to shut primary schools for 2 days due to rising pollution

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

Pollution levels in the national capital entered the "severe" zone for the first time this season on Thursday, with scientists warning of a further spike over the next two weeks.

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'It has the potential to sow seeds of furthering discord when the direction of the discourse is aimed at propagating the perceived supremacy of 'cultural nationalism' from a distant past over the prevailing dominance of 'Constitutional nationalism',' argues N Sathiya Moorthy.

AQI Spike Triggers Health Crisis

AQI Spike Triggers Health Crisis

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

'Many of these patients arrive at emergency departments in distress, struggling to breathe and requiring immediate medical intervention.'

Delhi govt bans firecrackers ahead of Diwali

Delhi govt bans firecrackers ahead of Diwali

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has issued detailed instructions to ensure the effective implementation of the ban.

Artificial rain in Delhi? AAP govt seeks Centre's nod to combat air

Artificial rain in Delhi? AAP govt seeks Centre's nod to combat air

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Amid Delhi's worsening air quality, which has plunged into the severe plus category with an AQI consistently above 450, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday called for immediate intervention from the central government.

Delhi most polluted city in India in 2022: Report

Delhi most polluted city in India in 2022: Report

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

PM2.5 pollution in the national capital has reduced by over 7 per cent in four years, from 108 micrograms per cubic metre in 2019 to 99.71 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022, the report by NCAP Tracker said.

Delhi's air quality worsens as people defy Diwali firecracker ban

Delhi's air quality worsens as people defy Diwali firecracker ban

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The city's air quality dropped to the "very poor" category, with an Air Quality Index of 330 at 10 pm.

Tracking air: As Delhi AQI worsens, experts call for long-term solutions

Tracking air: As Delhi AQI worsens, experts call for long-term solutions

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

Air quality index (AQI) soared past 350 level in parts of Delhi on Thursday and experts cautioned that as weather turns colder it may breach the 400-mark ceiling and enter the 'severe' zone soon, notwithstanding the incidents of stubble burnings which have nosedived from 17,529 in 2020 to 4,262 this year.

Trump withdraws from WHO, Paris accord, again

Trump withdraws from WHO, Paris accord, again

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Notably Trump had withdrawn from the Paris Agreement immediately after his first inauguration in January 2017. Joe Biden reversed that decision later.

8 Best Air Purifiers for Home

8 Best Air Purifiers for Home

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Discover ways to remove pollutants and allergens for a cleaner, pure air.

How Yamuna controversy sank AAP in Delhi

How Yamuna controversy sank AAP in Delhi

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

The BJP's victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections was largely attributed to the Yamuna pollution issue, with the party successfully capitalizing on the backlash from Haryanvi-origin voters who perceived AAP's narrative on the river's pollution as an attack on their home state. The BJP's campaign focused on presenting itself as both the protector of Haryana's honor and the party with a concrete vision for the Yamuna's revival, ultimately leading to AAP's significant decline in the Yamuna belt and rural areas.

It's raining freebies in Delhi, but voters' issues ignored

It's raining freebies in Delhi, but voters' issues ignored

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

With such announcements grabbing the voters' attention, critical issues like pollution, especially the smog that chokes Delhi every winter, remain largely unaddressed. Many residents have raised concerns over the lack of concrete action plans to combat air pollution, which continues to pose a severe health risk to Delhiites.

Toxic haze envelops Delhi, doctors warn of health risks

Toxic haze envelops Delhi, doctors warn of health risks

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly on Monday, with areas like Dwarka, Mundka and Najafgarh recording an AQI of 500, the worst this season. The city's overall AQI reached 491, triggering the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV restrictions in Delhi-NCR. Doctors warned of health risks, urging people to wear N95 masks and avoid outdoor activities. The Supreme Court questioned the Delhi government on its anti-pollution measures and warned against scaling down preventive measures without its permission. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP-led central government of political maneuvering while neglecting stubble burning in states it governs. Meanwhile, the city enforced stricter pollution control measures, including a ban on truck entry and suspension of construction activities. Air purifier sales surged, reflecting the public's concern over the severe air pollution.