In Pics | Top 10 most polluted cities in India

Pushpal Roy, the cluster head of a branch in Kolkata, is seen shouting at his coworkers and cursing in Bengali during an online meeting because they failed to meet the goal of opening 15 bank accounts in the month of May. As a result of the video going viral, the top Indian Bank HDFC has been suspended as a senior employee.

India: Senior HDFC banker suspended for abusing co-workers

The monsoon missed its onset date in Kerala on June 4 with the India meteorological department (IMD) anticipating a further delay of three to four days.

India: Monsoon onset delayed by 2-3 days

India's top investigating agency, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has begun its probe in one of the worst rail disasters that killed 275 people and injured more than a thousand. The CBI arrived at the accident site in Odisha's Balasore district.

Odisha train crash: CBI probe in Odisha train crash begins, officials reach crash site | WION

<p>It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot. The honour due this month for Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doubled when you realise that about 18 years ago, he was denied a visa by the same country.</p>

<p>In 2005, Modi, then Gujarat chief minister and nowhere seen to be in the race to become the PM of the world's most populous democracy, was denied a diplomatic visa by the State Department because he was not qualified for that purpose and on top of that his existing tourist/business visa was revoked in a move clearly linked to Hindu-Muslim riots in his state in 2002. The visa denial was on the ground that Modi was seen as a person under the Immigration and Nationality Act "responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom." The then-Congress party-led UPA government in New Delhi did request the US to review the decision in favour of its opposition BJP leader, but that did not work.</p>

<p>We have come a long way from there, haven't we?</p>

<p>Modi has indeed visited the US five times after assuming office in 2014 and things have changed a lot but it is time to add a few caveats because diplomacy is simply not what it used to be.</p>

<p>Relations between countries are broadly seen as relations between its peoples, but in a world where liberalism, freedom of speech and democracy are expected to hang together (at least in principle), leaders have to contend with many facets of diplomacy. That is exactly the reality check Modi needs as he heads to the US for what is clearly a strategic bilateral relationship being taken to the next level.</p>

<p>But first, the small detail of whether Modi's honour is rare as Indian prime ministers go. The rarity of his visit would come more from the fact that the joint Congress session delegates would be listening to a man to whom the State Department once denied a mere tourist visa than from his stature as the Indian PM, as his gushing followers on WhatsApp forwards suggest.</p>

<p>Modi is the sixth Indian PM after Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh to address the joint session. I believe the significance is greater now more because of the geopolitical situation in which the US keen to enlarge its Asian influence to contain China amid India emerging as a key economic power with a vast technological army.</p>

<p>The fact that Modi's June 22 speech would be his second to a joint Congress session after the visa denial makes it truly unprecedented and magnificent. He last addressed the House of Representatives and Senate members together in 2016.</p>

<p>I have, however, little doubt that Track III diplomacy will continue to nag Modi. I define Track III diplomacy as a new-age term in a world connected by the Internet and social media to describe close contact, conversations, shouting matches and coordinated protests done by political dissidents and civil society groups of various countries.</p>

<p>Track II diplomacy is a term normally used to describe informal and unofficial meetings between private individuals to read a common ground between official negotiators of two countries. These could be academics, activists, business leaders or non-governmental organisations. They usually have the blessings of the government of the day.</p>

<p>Track III is a study in contrast. You could call it contra diplomacy that influences bilateral relations beyond the hugs, kisses and photo opportunities that show official bonhomie.</p>

<p>It is now a hard reality because most democracies are now strained by concerns on extremism, dissidence and right-wing politics that bring race, religion, freedom of speech and human rights into mainstream diplomacy focused on security and trade. The reality gets harder when you realise that media conversations and Congressional hearings, Track III can influence Track II and I.</p>

<p>When Modi faced Washington's visa ban in 2005, US Ambassador David Mulford mentioned that the "two great and vibrant democracies share common values on the freedom of speech, freedom of religion and representative government."</p>

<p>The simple fact is that a lot has changed in both the US and India since then.</p>

<p>Democrat President Joe Biden's Republican predecessor Donald Trump has faced extensive criticism or allegations of racism. In India, Modi has right-wing ideologues who frown on American "wokeism" that is now questioning the Indian practice of caste on US soil. And these wokes are close to Biden's Democratic party, whether Modi likes it or not. Anti-US protests are so common in India, that individual American presidents would be least bothered unlike Modi supporters fretting over US 'wokeism'. Trump and Modi both have fans and critics in each other's country.</p>

<p>Modi's biggest baiter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has been in the US addressing the Indian diaspora, Stanford University dons and students and other forums slamming Modi's politics, policies and personality. US civil rights groups will continue to target Modi, no matter what.</p>

<p>Modi's followers see this as an "anti-national" move as they expect (somewhat naively) that post-colonial ideas of national unity should be the norm. But India is no longer a freshly-minted independent nation. It is a colourful, noisy, reasonably mature democracy.</p>

<p>On a recent visit to Australia, Modi pointed to the fact that his address to the Indian diaspora was attended by both the current Labor Prime Minister and the previous one from the Liberal Party sitting now in the opposition. While he did get a rockstar tag for his Sydney Olympic Park address to a 21,000-strong crowd, it is equally true that he was criticised in Canberra by Indian dissidents and human rights groups joining hands with Australian Greens at a private event hosted in Australia's national parliament premises where a BBC documentary critical of Modi was screened -- whereas it is banned in India.</p>

<p>Historians and rights activists do not forget things in a hurry -- and that is the beauty of liberalism and democracy. As significantly liberal democracies, Australia and the US are more accepting of this truth. When he actually lands in the US, private conversations on Modi will not be limited to what is said in public by officials. Track III realism is part of the new normal.<br />
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It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot.

It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot. The honour due this month for Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doubled when you realise that about 18 years ago, he was denied a visa by the same country. In 2005, Modi, then Gujarat chief minister and nowhere seen to be in the race to become the PM of the world's most populous democracy, was denied a diplomatic visa by the State Department because he was not qualified for that purpose and on top of that his existing tourist/business visa was revoked in a move clearly linked to Hindu-Muslim riots in his state in 2002. The visa denial was on the ground that Modi was seen as a person under the Immigration and Nationality Act "responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom." The then-Congress party-led UPA government in New Delhi did request the US to review the decision in favour of its opposition BJP leader, but that did not work. We have come a long way from there, haven't we? Modi has indeed visited the US five times after assuming office in 2014 and things have changed a lot but it is time to add a few caveats because diplomacy is simply not what it used to be. Relations between countries are broadly seen as relations between its peoples, but in a world where liberalism, freedom of speech and democracy are expected to hang together (at least in principle), leaders have to contend with many facets of diplomacy. That is exactly the reality check Modi needs as he heads to the US for what is clearly a strategic bilateral relationship being taken to the next level. But first, the small detail of whether Modi's honour is rare as Indian prime ministers go. The rarity of his visit would come more from the fact that the joint Congress session delegates would be listening to a man to whom the State Department once denied a mere tourist visa than from his stature as the Indian PM, as his gushing followers on WhatsApp forwards suggest. Modi is the sixth Indian PM after Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh to address the joint session. I believe the significance is greater now more because of the geopolitical situation in which the US keen to enlarge its Asian influence to contain China amid India emerging as a key economic power with a vast technological army. The fact that Modi's June 22 speech would be his second to a joint Congress session after the visa denial makes it truly unprecedented and magnificent. He last addressed the House of Representatives and Senate members together in 2016. I have, however, little doubt that Track III diplomacy will continue to nag Modi. I define Track III diplomacy as a new-age term in a world connected by the Internet and social media to describe close contact, conversations, shouting matches and coordinated protests done by political dissidents and civil society groups of various countries. Track II diplomacy is a term normally used to describe informal and unofficial meetings between private individuals to read a common ground between official negotiators of two countries. These could be academics, activists, business leaders or non-governmental organisations. They usually have the blessings of the government of the day. Track III is a study in contrast. You could call it contra diplomacy that influences bilateral relations beyond the hugs, kisses and photo opportunities that show official bonhomie. It is now a hard reality because most democracies are now strained by concerns on extremism, dissidence and right-wing politics that bring race, religion, freedom of speech and human rights into mainstream diplomacy focused on security and trade. The reality gets harder when you realise that media conversations and Congressional hearings, Track III can influence Track II and I. When Modi faced Washington's visa ban in 2005, US Ambassador David Mulford mentioned that the "two great and vibrant democracies share common values on the freedom of speech, freedom of religion and representative government." The simple fact is that a lot has changed in both the US and India since then. Democrat President Joe Biden's Republican predecessor Donald Trump has faced extensive criticism or allegations of racism. In India, Modi has right-wing ideologues who frown on American "wokeism" that is now questioning the Indian practice of caste on US soil. And these wokes are close to Biden's Democratic party, whether Modi likes it or not. Anti-US protests are so common in India, that individual American presidents would be least bothered unlike Modi supporters fretting over US 'wokeism'. Trump and Modi both have fans and critics in each other's country. Modi's biggest baiter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has been in the US addressing the Indian diaspora, Stanford University dons and students and other forums slamming Modi's politics, policies and personality. US civil rights groups will continue to target Modi, no matter what. Modi's followers see this as an "anti-national" move as they expect (somewhat naively) that post-colonial ideas of national unity should be the norm. But India is no longer a freshly-minted independent nation. It is a colourful, noisy, reasonably mature democracy. On a recent visit to Australia, Modi pointed to the fact that his address to the Indian diaspora was attended by both the current Labor Prime Minister and the previous one from the Liberal Party sitting now in the opposition. While he did get a rockstar tag for his Sydney Olympic Park address to a 21,000-strong crowd, it is equally true that he was criticised in Canberra by Indian dissidents and human rights groups joining hands with Australian Greens at a private event hosted in Australia's national parliament premises where a BBC documentary critical of Modi was screened -- whereas it is banned in India. Historians and rights activists do not forget things in a hurry -- and that is the beauty of liberalism and democracy. As significantly liberal democracies, Australia and the US are more accepting of this truth. When he actually lands in the US, private conversations on Modi will not be limited to what is said in public by officials. Track III realism is part of the new normal. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Modi's US visit a rebound from historic lows, but dissident notes abound

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<p>After a portion of an under-construction Khagaria-Aguwani bridge in the eastern Indian state of Bihar collapsed on Sunday (June 4), Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has said it was a planned demolition as experts had discovered 'serious defects' in the design.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a hurried press conference after the accident, Yadav appeared alongside the additional chief secretary of road construction department, Pratyay Amrit and made the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It may be recalled that a portion of this bridge had collapsed on April 30 last year. I strongly raised it in my capacity as the then Leader of the Opposition," said Yadav.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Upon coming to power, we ordered an inquiry and sought expert opinion...approached IIT-Roorkee, which is esteemed for its expertise in construction matters, to conduct a study. It is yet to come up with a final report but experts who had studied the structure had informed us that there were serious defects."</p>

<p>Yadav disclosed that several 'vulnerable' parts of the bridge had already been pulled down due to structural flaws. He added that Sunday's incident confirmed the government's "worst apprehensions".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Amrit, confirmed that parts of bridges were pulled out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was decided that we must not take any chance and wait for a final report. So we went ahead with pulling down parts of the bridge."</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Thieves steal 29-foot tall mobile tower in Indian state&nbsp;of Bihar</strong></p>

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<p>According to reports, the state government is waiting for the final report to come before taking action such as lodging an FIR and blacklisting the company which was awarded the contract.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yadav added that his government remained committed to building the bridge which was an important infrastructure project for the people of north Bihar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This bridge is of great importance for north Bihar where connectivity will greatly improve once it begins to function. We are committed to completing the project after setting right everything that has been wrong."</p>

<h2><strong>Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge and its history</strong></h2>

<p>Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation of the bridge in 2015, and its construction was scheduled to be completed within five years. However, the bridge remained under construction with the latest deadline promising completion by December 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-another-under-construction-bridge-collapses-in-indias-bihar-600443" target="_blank"><strong>Watch: Another under-construction bridge collapses in India’s Bihar</strong></a></p>

<p>The proposed bridge was expected to significantly shorten the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi region, as well as between Munger and Khagaria. Upon completion, the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi will be reduced by 50 km, while the distance between Munger and Khagaria will be reduced to 35 km.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After a portion of an under-construction Khagaria-Aguwani bridge in the eastern Indian state of Bihar collapsed on Sunday (June 4), Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has said it was a planned demolition as experts had discovered 'serious defects' in the design.

After a portion of an under-construction Khagaria-Aguwani bridge in the eastern Indian state of Bihar collapsed on Sunday (June 4), Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has said it was a planned demolition as experts had discovered 'serious defects' in the design. Addressing a hurried press conference after the accident, Yadav appeared alongside the additional chief secretary of road construction department, Pratyay Amrit and made the statement. "It may be recalled that a portion of this bridge had collapsed on April 30 last year. I strongly raised it in my capacity as the then Leader of the Opposition," said Yadav. "Upon coming to power, we ordered an inquiry and sought expert opinion...approached IIT-Roorkee, which is esteemed for its expertise in construction matters, to conduct a study. It is yet to come up with a final report but experts who had studied the structure had informed us that there were serious defects." Yadav disclosed that several 'vulnerable' parts of the bridge had already been pulled down due to structural flaws. He added that Sunday's incident confirmed the government's "worst apprehensions". Meanwhile, Amrit, confirmed that parts of bridges were pulled out. "It was decided that we must not take any chance and wait for a final report. So we went ahead with pulling down parts of the bridge." Watch: Thieves steal 29-foot tall mobile tower in Indian state of Bihar × According to reports, the state government is waiting for the final report to come before taking action such as lodging an FIR and blacklisting the company which was awarded the contract. Yadav added that his government remained committed to building the bridge which was an important infrastructure project for the people of north Bihar. "This bridge is of great importance for north Bihar where connectivity will greatly improve once it begins to function. We are committed to completing the project after setting right everything that has been wrong." Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge and its history Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation of the bridge in 2015, and its construction was scheduled to be completed within five years. However, the bridge remained under construction with the latest deadline promising completion by December 2023. Watch: Another under-construction bridge collapses in India’s Bihar The proposed bridge was expected to significantly shorten the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi region, as well as between Munger and Khagaria. Upon completion, the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi will be reduced by 50 km, while the distance between Munger and Khagaria will be reduced to 35 km. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bihar bridge collapse: Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav says ‘serious defects found’

The Odisha train accident has killed 275 people in India. The Indian Railway Minister has attributed the horrific collision to a change in the electronic interlocking and said that all will soon be revealed in a report. In this episode of Newspoint we will decode as to what exactly is the electronic interlocking system?

India: Odisha train tragedy | World News | WION

After months of disruption, US President Joe Biden's signed a bill suspending the federal debt ceiling on Saturday. That has given the US Treasury Department the green light to resume net new debt issuance. As of May 31, there were only 33 billion dollars left available. so, to shore up its coffers, the treasury is set to unleash a tsunami of new bonds. There will be yet more drain on decreasing liquidity with dwindling bank deposits forced to pay for it.

Asian markets upbeat: India's Nifty 50 close to new highs | World Business Watch

India's import of cheap Russian oil reached a new high in may, surpassing the combined purchases from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab emirates, and the United States. According to data from energy cargo tracker Vortexa, India took 1.96 million barrels per day from Russia in may, 15% more than the previous high in April.

India's imports of Russian oil hits new high | World Business Watch

India's foreign exchange reserves have declined for the second consecutive week to a one-month low. India's import cover now stands at 589.14 billion dollars. India's forex reserves have fallen by over 6 billion dollars since may 19. That marks the biggest weekly fall in the last three months.

India's foreign exchange reserves at a one-month low

The Supreme Court temporarily halted the sedition law's implementation last year. Almost a year later, the Law Commission of India has recommended that the provision be retained with procedural safeguards and enhanced jail term. The provision has been widely criticised for being a tool for curbing dissent.

What are the reasons India's Law Commission gave while recommending a stronger sedition law?

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's diplomatic visit to India is the centre of attention. The US defence secretary has arrived in India's capital city of New Delhi after taking part in the Shangri-La Summit in Singapore. Austin is currently in India for a two-day visit to discuss a variety of bilateral issues with India's defence minister, Rajnath Singh. This is the defence secretary's second visit to India; the previous one was in March 2021.

Rajnath Singh & Lloyd Austin meeting: US-India defence cooperation in focus | World DNA

All eyes on - Lloyd Austin's diplomatic trip to India - he is currently on a two-day visit to India - to discuss a range of bilateral issues with India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The whole world is watching his arrival in India. Watch the video to know more.

India's Defence Min Rajnath Singh to host US' Lloyd Austin, Germany's Boris Pistorius | World DNA

The Iranian Navy Commander declared the plan to join a naval Alliance during a televised program, albeit the specifics of the alliance are unknown. Iran is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, and Qatar as well as on the formation of a naval alliance. India and Pakistan will also be part of the alliance.

Iran floats new regional naval alliance in West Asia

Iran: New naval alliance will include India & Pakistan

India's import of cheap Russian oil reached a new high, according to a data by Energy Cargo Tracker - India took 1.96 million barrels per day in May from Russia - in May 15% more than the previous high that was recorded back in April.

India guzzles Russian crude: India's imports of Russian oil hits new high

As India grieves its worst train disaster in 28 years condolences have been pouring in from different parts of the world. At least 294 people were killed and over 1000 injured in an accident on Friday, June 2, after an accident involving three trains. The horrific accident happened when the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, headed toward Chennai, derailed. It collided with a goods train on the adjacent track, causing the rear carriage of the Coromandel Express to veer off onto the third track. The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, coming from the opposite direction on the third track, rammed into the derailed coaches.

Odisha train tragedy | Indian Railways: 129 trains cancelled, 81 trains diverted

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin on enhancing India-US defence ties, regional security and other issues. Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a two-day tour.

Lloyd Austin India Visit: Agreement on new roadmap for India-US industrial cooperation

Lloyd Austin meets Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval

<p dir="ltr">Sweltering heat has taken a toll on people's lives in several parts of India. As temperatures soared above 45 degrees Celsius in recent weeks, people not only suffered the outwardly wrath of heat, but were bogged down by the unprecedented stress it levied on India’s agriculture, public health, and economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is one of the nations most exposed and susceptible to heat. <a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000156">Studies</a> suggest that the frequency of hot days and nights&nbsp;have risen significantly, and are estimated to increase between two and four-fold by 2050. Additionally, heatwaves are also predicted to arrive earlier, last longer and occur more frequently.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Which strata of society is most affected?</strong></h2>

<p>Those working outdoors as daily-wage labourers are the worst hit during a heatwave episode. They mostly lack access to cooling amenities like fans and air conditioners and must continue working in the blistering heat to make ends meet.</p>

<p>“Heatwaves in India pose significant risks to human health as certain strata of society are more affected due to their socioeconomic and health conditions,” Shivang Agarwal, PhD scholar in environmental health and engineering, Johns Hopkins University told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“India has made progress in dealing with heatwaves, particularly in the development of heatwave prediction and early warning systems. However, many challenges remain, including lack of awareness about heatwave risks, limited access to affordable cooling solutions, strained public health infrastructure, and urban planning that often neglects heat resilience. There is a need for continued efforts in public awareness on these issues, to increase India's resilience to heatwaves,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India saw a 55 per cent rise in deaths due to extreme heat between 2000-2004 and 2017-2019, according to a <a href="http://www.thelancet-press.com/embargo/Countdown2022.pdf">Lancet’s report</a> released last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country has recorded more than 17,000 deaths due to heat waves in the past 50 years, according to a 2021 research by one of the best meteorologists, reported the PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe aria-label="Interactive area chart" data-external="1" frameborder="0" height="562" id="datawrapper-chart-aBKhb" scrolling="no" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aBKhb/1/" style="border: none;" title="Spike in heatwave days in 2022" width="600"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>*This is an interactive data chart. Hover over the chart to get the figures*</strong></em></p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Climate change impacting heat?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Extreme heat which engulfed large parts of India and Pakistan was rendered 30 times more likely by climate change, according to a new rapid attribution <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-made-devastating-early-heat-in-india-and-pakistan-30-times-more-likely/">study</a> by climate scientists.</p>

<p>“India is experiencing the impact of climate change. Due to its geographic diversity and large population exposure to climatic stressors, India is susceptible to all types of natural and climatic hazards. According to projections of climate change for India, more intense climatic conditions with significant variability are anticipated,” Prasoon Singh, Fellow and Area Convenor, Climate Change Division, The Energy Resource Institute (TERI) told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker |&nbsp;Heat made worse by climate change</strong></p>

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<p>The Global Climate Risk Index 2021 had ranked India seventh in the list of most affected countries in terms of exposure and vulnerability to climate risk events.</p>

<p>“A 2&nbsp;degrees Celsius&nbsp;increase in global average temperatures will render India's summer monsoon extremely unpredictable. At a temperature increase of 4&nbsp;degrees Celsius, a monsoon that presently has a one-in-a-century chance of occurring is projected to occur every 10 years by the end of the century,” Singh explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A sudden change in the monsoon could precipitate a major crisis, resulting in more frequent droughts and intensified inundation across large portions of India. On the other hand, it is anticipated that droughts will become more frequent in certain regions, particularly in north-western India,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-gasping-for-breath-what-is-india-doing-about-its-air-pollution-crisis-598066">Data Lab | Gasping for breath: What is India doing about its air pollution crisis?</a></p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Burden of heatwave</strong></h2>

<p>Continuing trends of&nbsp; heatwave&nbsp;due to climate change may have profound long-term effects. These include severe health risks like heatstroke, strain on healthcare systems, exacerbated cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and increased mortality rates. Agriculture and food security could be threatened due to crop damage, and water scarcity may become a greater issue, noted&nbsp;Agarwal, while stressing on the need to implement heat action plans for timely response to extreme heat, and utilise early warning systems for accurate forecasts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the current warming trends continue, it would unleash a barrage of difficulties that would include a major water crisis, energy scarcity, power outage, productivity loss, supply chain disruption, economic losses,&nbsp;human and livestock deaths, and serious health problems within vulnerable communities.</p>

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Sweltering heat has taken a toll on people's lives in several parts of India. As temperatures soared above 45 degrees Celsius in recent weeks, people not only suffered the outwardly wrath of heat, but were bogged down by the unprecedented stress it levied on India’s agriculture, public health, and economy.

Sweltering heat has taken a toll on people's lives in several parts of India. As temperatures soared above 45 degrees Celsius in recent weeks, people not only suffered the outwardly wrath of heat, but were bogged down by the unprecedented stress it levied on India’s agriculture, public health, and economy. India is one of the nations most exposed and susceptible to heat. Studies suggest that the frequency of hot days and nights have risen significantly, and are estimated to increase between two and four-fold by 2050. Additionally, heatwaves are also predicted to arrive earlier, last longer and occur more frequently. Which strata of society is most affected? Those working outdoors as daily-wage labourers are the worst hit during a heatwave episode. They mostly lack access to cooling amenities like fans and air conditioners and must continue working in the blistering heat to make ends meet. “Heatwaves in India pose significant risks to human health as certain strata of society are more affected due to their socioeconomic and health conditions,” Shivang Agarwal, PhD scholar in environmental health and engineering, Johns Hopkins University told WION. “India has made progress in dealing with heatwaves, particularly in the development of heatwave prediction and early warning systems. However, many challenges remain, including lack of awareness about heatwave risks, limited access to affordable cooling solutions, strained public health infrastructure, and urban planning that often neglects heat resilience. There is a need for continued efforts in public awareness on these issues, to increase India's resilience to heatwaves,” he said. India saw a 55 per cent rise in deaths due to extreme heat between 2000-2004 and 2017-2019, according to a Lancet’s report released last year. The country has recorded more than 17,000 deaths due to heat waves in the past 50 years, according to a 2021 research by one of the best meteorologists, reported the PTI. × *This is an interactive data chart. Hover over the chart to get the figures* Climate change impacting heat? Extreme heat which engulfed large parts of India and Pakistan was rendered 30 times more likely by climate change, according to a new rapid attribution study by climate scientists. “India is experiencing the impact of climate change. Due to its geographic diversity and large population exposure to climatic stressors, India is susceptible to all types of natural and climatic hazards. According to projections of climate change for India, more intense climatic conditions with significant variability are anticipated,” Prasoon Singh, Fellow and Area Convenor, Climate Change Division, The Energy Resource Institute (TERI) told WION. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker | Heat made worse by climate change The Global Climate Risk Index 2021 had ranked India seventh in the list of most affected countries in terms of exposure and vulnerability to climate risk events. “A 2 degrees Celsius increase in global average temperatures will render India's summer monsoon extremely unpredictable. At a temperature increase of 4 degrees Celsius, a monsoon that presently has a one-in-a-century chance of occurring is projected to occur every 10 years by the end of the century,” Singh explained. “A sudden change in the monsoon could precipitate a major crisis, resulting in more frequent droughts and intensified inundation across large portions of India. On the other hand, it is anticipated that droughts will become more frequent in certain regions, particularly in north-western India,” he added. Also read | Data Lab | Gasping for breath: What is India doing about its air pollution crisis? Burden of heatwave Continuing trends of heatwave due to climate change may have profound long-term effects. These include severe health risks like heatstroke, strain on healthcare systems, exacerbated cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and increased mortality rates. Agriculture and food security could be threatened due to crop damage, and water scarcity may become a greater issue, noted Agarwal, while stressing on the need to implement heat action plans for timely response to extreme heat, and utilise early warning systems for accurate forecasts. If the current warming trends continue, it would unleash a barrage of difficulties that would include a major water crisis, energy scarcity, power outage, productivity loss, supply chain disruption, economic losses, human and livestock deaths, and serious health problems within vulnerable communities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues?

<p>India's national capital New Delhi has been currently generating more than 1,100 tonnes of plastic waste every day, but only around 870 tonnes per day (TPD) is being managed or recycled, which leaves a gap of 242 TPD or&nbsp;around 22 per cent of the plastic waste load of Delhi, which finally either reaches the drains or ends up in landfills or contaminates the River Yamuna, as per the latest data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A target of June 2024 has been set by the national capital to bridge this gap completely.&nbsp;Experts stated that&nbsp;officials may have to work much harder, especially considering that it was not able to implement the ban on 19 single-use plastic (SUP) items successfully.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Municipal bodies shared data during their meeting held with the high-level solid waste monitoring committee, as per which the current plastic waste generation figure of the national capital stood at 1,113.25 TPD, and only 871.25 TPD is being processed, leaving a gap of 242 TPD which needs immediate attention.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-coolest-may-in-36-years-copious-rains-lower-average-maximum-temperature-to-368degc-599302">Delhi's coolest May in 36 years: Copious rains lower average maximum temperature to 36.8°C</a></p>

<p>The committee was appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and is headed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Programme director of the municipal solid waste sector at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Atin Biswas said that waste segregation is the base for any city which is aiming to find a solution to its waste problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At present, even this figure of 78 per cent&nbsp;of plastic being recycled seems fairly high, as Delhi is not segregating its waste like other cities. Only when that is being done, can waste be effectively separated. Until we achieve segregation at source, this target of June 2024 appears highly unlikely,” Biswas stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Capital's unfulfilled single-use plastic (SUP) goals</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the national capital is lagging behind its single-use plastic (SUP) goals. In Delhi, as well as other states and union territories, 19 SUP items were banned from July 1, 2022, onwards, according to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2021 which was issued on August 12, 2021.</p>

<p>Even though a ban was imposed, several items mentioned in the list are still commonly found in the markets of the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Delhi experiences coolest May in 36 years | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Price difference substantial</strong></h2>

<p>Fruit juice Bhiku Ram is still using plastic straws and plastic spoons at his shop. He said that he tried to use the alternatives, however, the price difference remained substantial. “Plastic is still easily available and agencies also are not too keen on enforcing such a ban,” Ram stated.</p>

<p>NGO Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) founder and director Ashish Jain said, “Agencies are finally beginning to act on plastic pollution, but it still needs a change in the mindset of consumers too. For instance, plastic items like plastic furniture have several alternatives, but plastic ones still exist in the market. We need to stop giving consumers such options.”</p>

<h2><strong>Plans to clear three dumpsites of capital</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the government of Delhi had earlier announced the ambitious project of clearing all three dumpsites in the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per their set goals, the Okhla dumpsite should be cleared by December 2023, Bhalswa by March 2024 and Ghazipur by December 2024. Cumulatively, the three dumpsites are covering an area of 200 acres, which carries around 28 million tonnes of legacy waste.&nbsp;</p>

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India's national capital New Delhi has been currently generating more than 1,100 tonnes of plastic waste every day, but only around 870 tonnes per day (TPD) is being managed or recycled, which leaves a gap of 242 TPD or around 22 per cent of the plastic waste load of Delhi, which finally either reaches the drains or ends up in landfills or contaminates the River Yamuna, as per the latest data.

India's national capital New Delhi has been currently generating more than 1,100 tonnes of plastic waste every day, but only around 870 tonnes per day (TPD) is being managed or recycled, which leaves a gap of 242 TPD or around 22 per cent of the plastic waste load of Delhi, which finally either reaches the drains or ends up in landfills or contaminates the River Yamuna, as per the latest data. A target of June 2024 has been set by the national capital to bridge this gap completely. Experts stated that officials may have to work much harder, especially considering that it was not able to implement the ban on 19 single-use plastic (SUP) items successfully. Municipal bodies shared data during their meeting held with the high-level solid waste monitoring committee, as per which the current plastic waste generation figure of the national capital stood at 1,113.25 TPD, and only 871.25 TPD is being processed, leaving a gap of 242 TPD which needs immediate attention. ALSO READ | Delhi's coolest May in 36 years: Copious rains lower average maximum temperature to 36.8°C The committee was appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and is headed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Programme director of the municipal solid waste sector at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Atin Biswas said that waste segregation is the base for any city which is aiming to find a solution to its waste problem. “At present, even this figure of 78 per cent of plastic being recycled seems fairly high, as Delhi is not segregating its waste like other cities. Only when that is being done, can waste be effectively separated. Until we achieve segregation at source, this target of June 2024 appears highly unlikely,” Biswas stated. Capital's unfulfilled single-use plastic (SUP) goals Meanwhile, the national capital is lagging behind its single-use plastic (SUP) goals. In Delhi, as well as other states and union territories, 19 SUP items were banned from July 1, 2022, onwards, according to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2021 which was issued on August 12, 2021. Even though a ban was imposed, several items mentioned in the list are still commonly found in the markets of the city. WATCH | Delhi experiences coolest May in 36 years | WION Climate Tracker Price difference substantial Fruit juice Bhiku Ram is still using plastic straws and plastic spoons at his shop. He said that he tried to use the alternatives, however, the price difference remained substantial. “Plastic is still easily available and agencies also are not too keen on enforcing such a ban,” Ram stated. NGO Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) founder and director Ashish Jain said, “Agencies are finally beginning to act on plastic pollution, but it still needs a change in the mindset of consumers too. For instance, plastic items like plastic furniture have several alternatives, but plastic ones still exist in the market. We need to stop giving consumers such options.” Plans to clear three dumpsites of capital Meanwhile, the government of Delhi had earlier announced the ambitious project of clearing all three dumpsites in the national capital. As per their set goals, the Okhla dumpsite should be cleared by December 2023, Bhalswa by March 2024 and Ghazipur by December 2024. Cumulatively, the three dumpsites are covering an area of 200 acres, which carries around 28 million tonnes of legacy waste. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Around 240 tonnes of plastic waste gets dumped in India's national capital every day, says report

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Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: All eyes on - Lloyd Austin's diplomatic trip to India - he is currently on a two-day visit to India - to discuss a range of bilateral issues with India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The whole world is watching his arrival in India.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in India

India's Rajnath Singh holds talks with US counterpart Lloyd Austin in New Delhi

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