Particulate matter 2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream if inhaled. Long exposure can worsen and trigger cardiac and respiratory ailments.
Govt launched the programme with aim of improving air quality in 130 cities. A majority of the cities did witness a reduction in PM10 levels, Lok Sabha was informed.
Some of the pollutants that make Delhi's air deadly are around 70 times finer than a strand of human hair and can mix in the bloodstream, causing long-term health issues.
During winters in 2024, Delhi’s peak PM2.5 level was 732 µg/m³, much higher than 2023’s peak of 580 µg/m³, says a report released Monday by Centre for Science & Environment.
The first multi-city study to assess the relationship between short-term air pollution exposure and death in India, it assessed PM2.5 exposure in 10 cities.
Findings are 1st evidence from India linking high PM2.5 levels in ambient air with rising blood sugar levels. Study by Indian & US researchers published in British Medical Journal.
Bhiwadi in Rajasthan was the most polluted city in India and second-most polluted in central and south Asia region. Delhi was not far behind, followed by Darbhanga and Asopur.
Researchers says Delhi's Graded Response Action Plan to combat pollution is futile. Also says reducing exposure could have 'averted' over 17,000 deaths.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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