The US emerged as India's biggest trade partner in 2021-22. China has slipped to second place. But Beijing refuses to accept this. It is trying to come back on top by rejigging the numbers. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: The US is now India's biggest trade partner. China disagrees

More than 70 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel, a latest report said on Thursday.

The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report revealed that 40 percent of the river monitoring stations have high levels of total coliform and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households.

The report, released ahead of World Environment Day to be celebrated on June 5, said that more than a third of India's coastline, spread across 6,907 km, witnessed soil erosion between 1990 and 2018 due to rise in sea level and anthropogenic activities.

India has almost 30 percent of its geographical area under degradation, triggered by various factors which include climate change.

The soil health remains deficient in several key macro and micro-nutrients that are key for sustainable agriculture, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-mass-shooting-suspect-is-indicted-on-a-domestic-terrorism-charge-484305" hreflang="en">New York mass shooting: Suspect is indicted on a domestic terrorism charge</a>

It warned that while the cost of cultivation has increased, the income from it has gown down.

The cost of cultivation has increased by almost 35 percent between 2012-13 and 2018-19, but the share of income from cultivation in an agricultural household has diminished from 48 percent in 2012-13 to 37 percent in 2018-19, it said.

"At the same time, half of all agricultural households are under debt. As per government data, on an average, at least 29 farmers and farm labourers commit suicide in the country daily," the report said.

Scientists said that forest cover in 244 out of 638 assessed districts across India's 27 states and five union territories has shrunk between 2019 and 2021.

By 2050, the entire forest cover might become a climate hotspot, it said.

The report, prepared by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), made some startling revelations on the various environmental issues in India.

India witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this year, as in impact of climate change, which caused massive crop damage and deaths. &nbsp;

In 2022, India recorded its hottest March. This triggered an early onslaught of heatwaves.

As per the report, the country reported 280 heatwave days between March 11 and May 18, the highest in the past 10 years. This is almost double of what the country experienced in 2012, the second highest heatwave year in the past decade.

Climate triggers more internal displacements than conflicts in the world now and India is the fourth worst hit after China, the Philippines and Bangladesh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-slides-on-report-of-saudi-arabia-ready-to-pump-more-if-russian-output-sinks-484383" hreflang="en">Oil slides on report of Saudi Arabia ready to pump more if Russian output sink</a>

It said that more than 1.7 million Indians die due to diseases attributable to unhealthy diet and that 71 percent of the country's population cannot afford a healthy diet.

The report said that only five large states in India which are Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and two small states -Mizoram and Telangana- show good overall performance in Health Index that looks at key health indicators and existing infrastructure.

In the energy sector, the report said that one-third of all carbon emissions come from burning coal, making it the single largest contributor to climate change in the world. India has the world's second largest operational coal plants capacity, after China.

"By 2050, the world must reduce its GHG emissions from coal by 99 per cent to restrict the temperature rise to 1.5 degree C by 2100," it said.

India recycled 12 percent and burnt 20 percent of the 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste it generated in 2019-20, the report said, adding that there is no information on the remaining 68 percent of plastic waste, which most likely ends up in dumpsites and landfills.

The report said that reducing air pollution to meet the World Health Organization's levels would add 2.2 years to global life expectancy and in India, the life expectancy will go up by 5.9 years if the country meets the WHO levels of PM2.5.

In the last 50 years since the Stockholm conference in 1972 started a global debate around environment, the world has seen a 38-fold increase in environmental laws but the condition of the planet continues to worsen, a latest report said on Thursday.

The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report released ahead of World Environment Day to be celebrated on June 5, revealed that India's performance on climate action slipped between 2019 and 2020.

Globally, the report said that annual CO2 emissions have reached 36.7 billion tonnes, which is more than double of what was emitted in 1972 and it will have an impact on the planet's health and biodiversity in the next 50 years, unless corrective measures are fast-tracked.

It warned that with eight years left to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, under the United Nations, India’s preparedness remains far from satisfactory.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, which provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

It said that India has identified 295 primary indicators, but it is monitoring only 115 of these.

Performance of all the states and union territories remains poor in the 13th SDG which is climate action.

"In essence, India is not even monitoring progress on 61 per cent of its indicators. For instance, there are 41 indicators identified under SDG 8, which deals with sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment. India monitors just nine of them. It is silent on crucial indicators such as the growth of registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises," the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-will-break-into-pieces-ex-pm-khan-warns-of-civil-war-if-polls-not-announced-484372" hreflang="en">Pak could split into 3 parts &amp; also lose nuclear deterrent capabilities: Khan</a>

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

The report, prepared by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), made some startling revelations on the various environmental issues in India.

It said that India has identified 295 primary indicators, but it is monitoring only 115 of these.

Performance of all the states and union territories remains poor in the 13th SDG which is climate action. 
"In essence, India is not even monitoring progress on 61 per cent of its indicators. For instance, there are 41 indicators identified under SDG 8, which deals with sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment. India monitors just nine of them. It is silent on crucial indicators such as the growth of registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises," the report said.

India witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this year, as in impact of climate change, which caused massive crop damage and deaths. &nbsp;

In 2022, India recorded its hottest March. This triggered an early onslaught of heatwaves. The country reported 280 heatwave days between March 11 and May 18, the highest in the past 10 years. This is almost double of what the country experienced in 2012, the second highest heatwave year in the past decade.

According to the report, 74 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel.

40 percent of the stations have high levels of total coliform, and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households.

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More than 70 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel, a latest report said on Thursday. The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report revealed that 40 percent of the river monitoring stations have high levels of total coliform and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households.

More than 70 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel, a latest report said on Thursday. The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report revealed that 40 percent of the river monitoring stations have high levels of total coliform and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households. The report, released ahead of World Environment Day to be celebrated on June 5, said that more than a third of India's coastline, spread across 6,907 km, witnessed soil erosion between 1990 and 2018 due to rise in sea level and anthropogenic activities. India has almost 30 percent of its geographical area under degradation, triggered by various factors which include climate change. The soil health remains deficient in several key macro and micro-nutrients that are key for sustainable agriculture, it said. Also read | New York mass shooting: Suspect is indicted on a domestic terrorism charge It warned that while the cost of cultivation has increased, the income from it has gown down. The cost of cultivation has increased by almost 35 percent between 2012-13 and 2018-19, but the share of income from cultivation in an agricultural household has diminished from 48 percent in 2012-13 to 37 percent in 2018-19, it said. "At the same time, half of all agricultural households are under debt. As per government data, on an average, at least 29 farmers and farm labourers commit suicide in the country daily," the report said. Scientists said that forest cover in 244 out of 638 assessed districts across India's 27 states and five union territories has shrunk between 2019 and 2021. By 2050, the entire forest cover might become a climate hotspot, it said. The report, prepared by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), made some startling revelations on the various environmental issues in India. India witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this year, as in impact of climate change, which caused massive crop damage and deaths. In 2022, India recorded its hottest March. This triggered an early onslaught of heatwaves. As per the report, the country reported 280 heatwave days between March 11 and May 18, the highest in the past 10 years. This is almost double of what the country experienced in 2012, the second highest heatwave year in the past decade. Climate triggers more internal displacements than conflicts in the world now and India is the fourth worst hit after China, the Philippines and Bangladesh. Also read | Oil slides on report of Saudi Arabia ready to pump more if Russian output sink It said that more than 1.7 million Indians die due to diseases attributable to unhealthy diet and that 71 percent of the country's population cannot afford a healthy diet. The report said that only five large states in India which are Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and two small states -Mizoram and Telangana- show good overall performance in Health Index that looks at key health indicators and existing infrastructure. In the energy sector, the report said that one-third of all carbon emissions come from burning coal, making it the single largest contributor to climate change in the world. India has the world's second largest operational coal plants capacity, after China. "By 2050, the world must reduce its GHG emissions from coal by 99 per cent to restrict the temperature rise to 1.5 degree C by 2100," it said. India recycled 12 percent and burnt 20 percent of the 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste it generated in 2019-20, the report said, adding that there is no information on the remaining 68 percent of plastic waste, which most likely ends up in dumpsites and landfills. The report said that reducing air pollution to meet the World Health Organization's levels would add 2.2 years to global life expectancy and in India, the life expectancy will go up by 5.9 years if the country meets the WHO levels of PM2.5. In the last 50 years since the Stockholm conference in 1972 started a global debate around environment, the world has seen a 38-fold increase in environmental laws but the condition of the planet continues to worsen, a latest report said on Thursday. The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report released ahead of World Environment Day to be celebrated on June 5, revealed that India's performance on climate action slipped between 2019 and 2020. Globally, the report said that annual CO2 emissions have reached 36.7 billion tonnes, which is more than double of what was emitted in 1972 and it will have an impact on the planet's health and biodiversity in the next 50 years, unless corrective measures are fast-tracked. It warned that with eight years left to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, under the United Nations, India’s preparedness remains far from satisfactory. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, which provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. It said that India has identified 295 primary indicators, but it is monitoring only 115 of these. Performance of all the states and union territories remains poor in the 13th SDG which is climate action. "In essence, India is not even monitoring progress on 61 per cent of its indicators. For instance, there are 41 indicators identified under SDG 8, which deals with sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment. India monitors just nine of them. It is silent on crucial indicators such as the growth of registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises," the report said. Also read | Pak could split into 3 parts & also lose nuclear deterrent capabilities: Khan There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. The report, prepared by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), made some startling revelations on the various environmental issues in India. It said that India has identified 295 primary indicators, but it is monitoring only 115 of these. Performance of all the states and union territories remains poor in the 13th SDG which is climate action. "In essence, India is not even monitoring progress on 61 per cent of its indicators. For instance, there are 41 indicators identified under SDG 8, which deals with sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment. India monitors just nine of them. It is silent on crucial indicators such as the growth of registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises," the report said. India witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this year, as in impact of climate change, which caused massive crop damage and deaths. In 2022, India recorded its hottest March. This triggered an early onslaught of heatwaves. The country reported 280 heatwave days between March 11 and May 18, the highest in the past 10 years. This is almost double of what the country experienced in 2012, the second highest heatwave year in the past decade. According to the report, 74 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel. 40 percent of the stations have high levels of total coliform, and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's performance on climate action slipped between 2019 and 2020: Report

German Ambassador Walter Lindner spoke exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibbal about his 3.5 year tenure in India and about India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war.

WION Exclusive: India must have a permanent seat at UNSC, says German Ambassador Walter Lindner

A visiting delegation from the American Space Agency (NASA) has indicated that the NASA-ISRO joint mission, 'NISAR', would be launched from India's spaceport at Sriharikota in early 2023. NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a satellite that will use&nbsp;advanced radar imaging to provide an unprecedented, detailed view of Earth. It is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the planet's most complex processes, such as&nbsp;ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides.

Sharing the status of the satellite development, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen,&nbsp;Associate Administrator, NASA, Science Mission Directorate revealed that the "radar payload is fully electrically integrated and functionally tested; 12-meter deployable boom and reflector radar antenna integration underway, joint initial mission operations tests successfully completed." Furthermore, it was stated that environmental testing (analyzing spacecraft performance in simulated thermal and vacuum conditions of space) would be carried out in different phases in the coming months.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/epitome-of-hell-on-earth-nasa-to-study-unique-exoplanet-55-cancri-e-484291">Epitome of 'hell on earth’: NASA to study unique exoplanet '55 Cancri e' &nbsp;</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to ISRO's new Scientific Secretary, B. Shantanu! It was a delight meeting you and your team today as we talked about <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAEarth</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ISRO</a>'s joint mission NISAR. <a href="https://t.co/HzNxXn5dJK">pic.twitter.com/HzNxXn5dJK</a>
— Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_ThomasZ/status/1532047766284820481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Indicating the mission launch to be around the first quarter of 2023, the NASA delegation also revealed that the radar payload would ship to India in late-February 2023.&nbsp;According to NASA,&nbsp;NISAR will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces globally with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes, sampling Earth on average every six days for a baseline three-year mission.&nbsp;Data collected from NISAR will reveal information about the evolution and state of Earth's crust, help scientists better understand our planet's processes and changing climate, and aid future resource and hazard management.

Watch |&nbsp;NASA Mars lander's mission coming to an end, but why?

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In March 2021, quoting the then ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan, WION reported that the launch of NISAR would be around the end of 2022 or early-2023.&nbsp;On March 4th,&nbsp;2021, Dr. K. Sivan virtually flagged off the Indian-made S-Band payload from the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad.&nbsp;NASA adds that NISAR will be the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes on the earth's surface.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nasa-isro-earth-observation-satellite-launch-on-gslv-mk-ii-by-jan-2023-369143">NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite launch on GSLV Mk II by Jan 2023</a>

It was on September 30th,&nbsp;2014, that NASA and ISRO signed a partnership to collaborate on and launch NISAR. NASA is providing the mission’s L-band synthetic aperture radar, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder and a payload data subsystem. ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band radar, the launch vehicle and associated launch services.

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A visiting delegation from the American Space Agency (NASA) has indicated that the NASA-ISRO joint mission, 'NISAR', would be launched from India's spaceport at Sriharikota in early 2023.

A visiting delegation from the American Space Agency (NASA) has indicated that the NASA-ISRO joint mission, 'NISAR', would be launched from India's spaceport at Sriharikota in early 2023. NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a satellite that will use advanced radar imaging to provide an unprecedented, detailed view of Earth. It is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the planet's most complex processes, such as ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. Sharing the status of the satellite development, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator, NASA, Science Mission Directorate revealed that the "radar payload is fully electrically integrated and functionally tested; 12-meter deployable boom and reflector radar antenna integration underway, joint initial mission operations tests successfully completed." Furthermore, it was stated that environmental testing (analyzing spacecraft performance in simulated thermal and vacuum conditions of space) would be carried out in different phases in the coming months. Also read | Epitome of 'hell on earth’: NASA to study unique exoplanet '55 Cancri e' Congratulations to ISRO's new Scientific Secretary, B. Shantanu! It was a delight meeting you and your team today as we talked about @NASAEarth & @ISRO's joint mission NISAR. pic.twitter.com/HzNxXn5dJK — Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) June 1, 2022 × Indicating the mission launch to be around the first quarter of 2023, the NASA delegation also revealed that the radar payload would ship to India in late-February 2023. According to NASA, NISAR will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces globally with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes, sampling Earth on average every six days for a baseline three-year mission. Data collected from NISAR will reveal information about the evolution and state of Earth's crust, help scientists better understand our planet's processes and changing climate, and aid future resource and hazard management. Watch | NASA Mars lander's mission coming to an end, but why? In March 2021, quoting the then ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan, WION reported that the launch of NISAR would be around the end of 2022 or early-2023. On March 4th, 2021, Dr. K. Sivan virtually flagged off the Indian-made S-Band payload from the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad. NASA adds that NISAR will be the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes on the earth's surface. Also read | NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite launch on GSLV Mk II by Jan 2023 It was on September 30th, 2014, that NASA and ISRO signed a partnership to collaborate on and launch NISAR. NASA is providing the mission’s L-band synthetic aperture radar, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder and a payload data subsystem. ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band radar, the launch vehicle and associated launch services. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NASA team in India to discuss on joint mission 'NISAR' with ISRO; launch likely by Q1 2023

India, where not even 50 per cent women use disposable sanitary napkins, annually generates around 3.37 lakh tonnes of waste from sanitary napkins and baby diapers.

The report "Sanitary Waste Management in India: Challenges and Agenda" released by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment estimates that India’s consolidated daily generation of sanitary napkins and baby diaper waste, is approximately 925 tonnes, which accounts for 0.65 per cent of total solid waste.

If adult diapers, tampons, condoms, incontinence sheets, and similar waste, are added to the 0.65 per cent mentioned above, it may go up to 4 percent of the total solid waste generated in India, which is 141,000 tonnes per day.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ban-on-import-of-key-materials-to-produce-sanitary-napkins-is-forcing-pakistani-women-to-go-pad-less-482509">Ban on import of key materials to produce sanitary napkins is forcing Pakistani women to go pad-less</a>

According to the Menstrual Hygiene Alliance of India (MHAI), 336 million girls and women of reproductive age in India use about 1 billion sanitary napkins per month, or 12.3 billion sanitary napkins annually.

However, there is no adequate mechanism to dispose of this waste, the report said.

Due to unorganised sanitary waste management in cities and villages, poor source segregation, and inadequate collection, transportation, and disposal networks, most sanitary waste ends up in landfills mixed with solid waste or dumped openly, posing significant health and environmental hazards.

According to the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM), sanitary napkins and diapers are included in the definition of dry waste in the SWM Rules, 2016.

As per SWM rules, every waste generator must collect and segregate all waste into three categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and domestic hazardous waste.

In the case of sanitary waste, the waste generator must wrap the used product in the manufacturer’s pouches or any other suitable wrapping material as directed by the local authorities and collect it with other non-biodegradable waste.

The guidelines of India's top pollution watchdog, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), urge users to dispose of sanitary waste in the wrapper provided by the manufacturer or use newspaper to wrap it.

Watch |&nbsp;Spain to allow menstrual leaves: Which other countries are doing so?

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Under the Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines, sanitary napkins and diapers must be separated, specially marked, and sent to a biomedical waste facility for incineration.

Speaking to WION, Shailshree Tewari, Programming Officer, CSE and the author of the report, said sanitary napkins are not being considered as bio-medical waste in India, which is leading to a lot of problems in their disposal.

She said that there are also inadequate incinerators in India to dispose of sanitary napkins.

A sanitary napkin incinerator disposes of napkins in an environmentally friendly method by burning the pads and converting them into ash.

Tewari said that besides the inadequate number of incinerators in India, the ones available are inconsistent and many do not even meet the emission standards prescribed by the CPCB.

What is even more concerning is that there is no provision for a penalty for not complying with the guidelines, she added.

"While CPCB’s guidelines are legally enforceable, a lack of standards for small-scale incinerators attracts no penalty." Tenders for the purpose of procurement of decentralised incinerators that are publicly available also reflect the same concern, "Tewari said."&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/may-28-time-to-shift-focus-to-womens-health-menstrual-hygiene-482748">&nbsp;May 28: Time to shift focus to women’s health, menstrual hygiene</a>

She said there is a dearth of awareness and organized sanitary waste disposal infrastructure and disposal practices in rural and urban locations vary greatly.

In parts of India, women dispose of their sanitary napkins or cloth in drains and potholes; some who are uncomfortable disposing of sanitary napkins in public flush them in toilets.

Many women do not use dustbins because they think it might bring them disgrace as waste collectors might think poorly of them if they notice soiled napkins, the report said.

As per the report, 41.8 per cent of women in the age group of 15–24 use disposable sanitary napkins while 16.4 per cent use locally produced napkins.

Assuming a one-month-old infant uses 10 diapers a day—or 300 diapers per month—a single one-month-old baby could generate around 3,600 used diapers every year, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-menstrual-hygiene-day-how-women-have-managed-periods-throughout-history-482520">Menstrual Hygiene Day: How women have managed periods throughout history</a>

According to the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 25 million children are born in India each year, and the average weight of a soiled diaper is 800 grams. Hence, India generates approximately 548 tonnes of baby diaper waste per day, or 2 lakh tonnes annually.

However, in the last four years, more women have started using sanitary napkins in the states of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, the report found.

India, where not even 50 per cent women use disposable sanitary napkins, annually generates around 3.37 lakh tonnes of waste from sanitary napkins and baby diapers.

India, where not even 50 per cent women use disposable sanitary napkins, annually generates around 3.37 lakh tonnes of waste from sanitary napkins and baby diapers. The report "Sanitary Waste Management in India: Challenges and Agenda" released by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment estimates that India’s consolidated daily generation of sanitary napkins and baby diaper waste, is approximately 925 tonnes, which accounts for 0.65 per cent of total solid waste. If adult diapers, tampons, condoms, incontinence sheets, and similar waste, are added to the 0.65 per cent mentioned above, it may go up to 4 percent of the total solid waste generated in India, which is 141,000 tonnes per day. Also read | Ban on import of key materials to produce sanitary napkins is forcing Pakistani women to go pad-less According to the Menstrual Hygiene Alliance of India (MHAI), 336 million girls and women of reproductive age in India use about 1 billion sanitary napkins per month, or 12.3 billion sanitary napkins annually. However, there is no adequate mechanism to dispose of this waste, the report said. Due to unorganised sanitary waste management in cities and villages, poor source segregation, and inadequate collection, transportation, and disposal networks, most sanitary waste ends up in landfills mixed with solid waste or dumped openly, posing significant health and environmental hazards. According to the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM), sanitary napkins and diapers are included in the definition of dry waste in the SWM Rules, 2016. As per SWM rules, every waste generator must collect and segregate all waste into three categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and domestic hazardous waste. In the case of sanitary waste, the waste generator must wrap the used product in the manufacturer’s pouches or any other suitable wrapping material as directed by the local authorities and collect it with other non-biodegradable waste. The guidelines of India's top pollution watchdog, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), urge users to dispose of sanitary waste in the wrapper provided by the manufacturer or use newspaper to wrap it. Watch | Spain to allow menstrual leaves: Which other countries are doing so? Under the Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines, sanitary napkins and diapers must be separated, specially marked, and sent to a biomedical waste facility for incineration. Speaking to WION, Shailshree Tewari, Programming Officer, CSE and the author of the report, said sanitary napkins are not being considered as bio-medical waste in India, which is leading to a lot of problems in their disposal. She said that there are also inadequate incinerators in India to dispose of sanitary napkins. A sanitary napkin incinerator disposes of napkins in an environmentally friendly method by burning the pads and converting them into ash. Tewari said that besides the inadequate number of incinerators in India, the ones available are inconsistent and many do not even meet the emission standards prescribed by the CPCB. What is even more concerning is that there is no provision for a penalty for not complying with the guidelines, she added. "While CPCB’s guidelines are legally enforceable, a lack of standards for small-scale incinerators attracts no penalty." Tenders for the purpose of procurement of decentralised incinerators that are publicly available also reflect the same concern, "Tewari said." Also read | May 28: Time to shift focus to women’s health, menstrual hygiene She said there is a dearth of awareness and organized sanitary waste disposal infrastructure and disposal practices in rural and urban locations vary greatly. In parts of India, women dispose of their sanitary napkins or cloth in drains and potholes; some who are uncomfortable disposing of sanitary napkins in public flush them in toilets. Many women do not use dustbins because they think it might bring them disgrace as waste collectors might think poorly of them if they notice soiled napkins, the report said. As per the report, 41.8 per cent of women in the age group of 15–24 use disposable sanitary napkins while 16.4 per cent use locally produced napkins. Assuming a one-month-old infant uses 10 diapers a day—or 300 diapers per month—a single one-month-old baby could generate around 3,600 used diapers every year, it said. Also read | Menstrual Hygiene Day: How women have managed periods throughout history According to the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 25 million children are born in India each year, and the average weight of a soiled diaper is 800 grams. Hence, India generates approximately 548 tonnes of baby diaper waste per day, or 2 lakh tonnes annually. However, in the last four years, more women have started using sanitary napkins in the states of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, the report found.

India annually generates over 3 lakh tonnes of waste from sanitary napkins and baby diapers: Report

Congress President Sonia Gandhi tested COVID-19 positive, a day later of the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to her in the National Herald case.

Gandhi has to appear before the probe agency on June 8.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala informed that Sonia Gandhi has developed some symptoms and has isolated herself and has been given requisite medical attention.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-appoints-navjot-singh-sidhu-as-chief-of-punjab-congress-398928">Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as Chief of Punjab Congress</a>

"Congress president Sonia Gandhi tests positive for COVID-19. She has developed mild fever and some symptoms and has isolated herself and has been given requisite medical attention. As of today, her date of appearance before ED on June 8 stands as it is," Surjewala told ANI.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also tested COVID-19 positive. Rahul and Sonia Gandhi were issued a summons by the ED on Wednesday in connection with the National Herald case, which was closed by the investigating agency in 2015.

The federal agency`s move followed the questioning of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Treasurer Pawan Bansal in April this year in New Delhi in connection with its money laundering probe into the National Herald case.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pak wants 'healthy trade' ties with India

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The agency then recorded the statements of both the Congress leaders then under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The National Herald is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian Pvt Limited (YIL). While Kharge is the CEO of YIL, Bansal is the Managing Director of AJL.

The ED is currently investigating the shareholding pattern and financial transactions as well as the role of party functionaries in the functioning of AJL and YIL.

The YIL promoters include Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/999-want-rahul-gandhi-as-congress-president-randeep-surjewala-350824">99.9% want Rahul Gandhi as Congress president: Randeep Surjewala</a>

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy had alleged that the Gandhis cheated and misappropriated funds, with YIL paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to the Congress.

He had filed a complaint with a Delhi court earlier. Following the court taking cognisance of an Income Tax Department probe against YIL on Swamy`s petition, the ED also registered a fresh case under PMLA.

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Congress President Sonia Gandhi tested COVID-19 positive, a day later of the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to her in the National Herald case. Gandhi has to appear before the probe agency on June 8.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi tested COVID-19 positive, a day later of the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to her in the National Herald case. Gandhi has to appear before the probe agency on June 8. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala informed that Sonia Gandhi has developed some symptoms and has isolated herself and has been given requisite medical attention. Also read | Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as Chief of Punjab Congress "Congress president Sonia Gandhi tests positive for COVID-19. She has developed mild fever and some symptoms and has isolated herself and has been given requisite medical attention. As of today, her date of appearance before ED on June 8 stands as it is," Surjewala told ANI. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also tested COVID-19 positive. Rahul and Sonia Gandhi were issued a summons by the ED on Wednesday in connection with the National Herald case, which was closed by the investigating agency in 2015. The federal agency`s move followed the questioning of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Treasurer Pawan Bansal in April this year in New Delhi in connection with its money laundering probe into the National Herald case. Watch | Gravitas: Pak wants 'healthy trade' ties with India The agency then recorded the statements of both the Congress leaders then under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The National Herald is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian Pvt Limited (YIL). While Kharge is the CEO of YIL, Bansal is the Managing Director of AJL. The ED is currently investigating the shareholding pattern and financial transactions as well as the role of party functionaries in the functioning of AJL and YIL. The YIL promoters include Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Also read | 99.9% want Rahul Gandhi as Congress president: Randeep Surjewala BJP MP Subramanian Swamy had alleged that the Gandhis cheated and misappropriated funds, with YIL paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to the Congress. He had filed a complaint with a Delhi court earlier. Following the court taking cognisance of an Income Tax Department probe against YIL on Swamy`s petition, the ED also registered a fresh case under PMLA. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Sonia Gandhi tests positive, ahead of ED questioning in National Herald case

Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz is on India visit. He met his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and received Guard of Honour. Gantz will also be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the expansion of cooperation between India and Israel.

Benny Gantz India Visit: Israeli defence minister receives Guard Of Honour, meets Rajnath Singh

Israel Defence minister Benny Gantz lands in New Delhi. He is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Rajnath Singh. During the visit, both sides will sign a document aimed at deepening security relations. He will also be given a Guard of honour.

Benny Gantz India Visit: Israeli defence minister to be given guard of honour

Israel Defence minister Benny Gantz lands in New Delhi. He is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Rajnath Singh. WION's Siddhant Sibbal brings you more insights.

Benny Gantz India Visit: Israeli defence minister to meet PM Modi and his Indian counterpart

In a bid to boost its geo-economic strategy, Pakistan is looking for regional partners to forge partnerships which includes its neighbor India. The newly inducted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Islamabad is looking for connectivity-based partners.

'Trade mutually benefit for both nations,' Pakistan seeks trade ties with India

As India and Pakistan meet for the annual meeting under the Indus Water Treaty in New Delhi, let us get acquainted with the agreement, which helps both nations to share the waters of the six rivers of the Indus basin. In 1960, India and Pakistan had signed the treaty after several years of negotiations. The Washington-based World Bank is also a signatory in it. This agreement has created a mechanism to build cooperation and information exchange between the two neighbours over the use of the rivers, which is known as the Permanent Indus Commission. As per the treaty, both the nations need to have Indus Commissioners. They also have to meet at least once a year. The meeting can be organised, alternatively in India and Pakistan. &nbsp;

It may be listed among the most successful international treaties as it has withstood the test of time. Since the inception of the treaty, both nations have fought many wars and witnessed heightened tensions innumerable times.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indus-water-talks-between-india-pakistan-begin-in-new-delhi-483445" hreflang="en">Indus water talks between India, Pakistan begin in New Delhi</a> &nbsp;

According to the treaty, the water of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) goes to Pakistan and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej) is allocated to India for unrestricted use. This agreement provides a framework to share water for various purposes, including irrigation and hydropower development. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indus water talks between Pakistan and India begins today in New Delhi

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New Delhi can also generate hydroelectricity on the three western rivers in its territory with the help of river projects, which are subject to specific criteria for design. Under the treaty, Pakistan can also raise objections on the design of hydroelectric projects by India on these western rivers. In the past, several issues have been raised and resolved. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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As India and Pakistan meet for the annual meeting under the Indus Water Treaty in New Delhi, let us get acquainted with the agreement, which helps both nations to share the waters of the six rivers of the Indus basin.

As India and Pakistan meet for the annual meeting under the Indus Water Treaty in New Delhi, let us get acquainted with the agreement, which helps both nations to share the waters of the six rivers of the Indus basin. In 1960, India and Pakistan had signed the treaty after several years of negotiations. The Washington-based World Bank is also a signatory in it. This agreement has created a mechanism to build cooperation and information exchange between the two neighbours over the use of the rivers, which is known as the Permanent Indus Commission. As per the treaty, both the nations need to have Indus Commissioners. They also have to meet at least once a year. The meeting can be organised, alternatively in India and Pakistan. It may be listed among the most successful international treaties as it has withstood the test of time. Since the inception of the treaty, both nations have fought many wars and witnessed heightened tensions innumerable times. Also Read: Indus water talks between India, Pakistan begin in New Delhi According to the treaty, the water of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) goes to Pakistan and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej) is allocated to India for unrestricted use. This agreement provides a framework to share water for various purposes, including irrigation and hydropower development. Watch: Indus water talks between Pakistan and India begins today in New Delhi New Delhi can also generate hydroelectricity on the three western rivers in its territory with the help of river projects, which are subject to specific criteria for design. Under the treaty, Pakistan can also raise objections on the design of hydroelectric projects by India on these western rivers. In the past, several issues have been raised and resolved. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Explainer: What is Indus Water Treaty signed between India, Pakistan?

Two-day talks on water dispute between India and Pakistan concludes in New Delhi today, during which the Indus Water Treaty was discussed. A six-member delegation from Pakistan had arrived in New Delhi for the meeting.

Indus Water Talks: India-Pakistan meet on key projects concludes in New Delhi

India has said that it plans to reduce power generation from at least 81 of its coal-powered plants over the next four years. The government says that the plan is in an effort to replace the expensive thermal power generation with cleaner and cheaper energy sources

India aims to replace expensive thermal power generation

According to provisional data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the Indian economy grew at 8.7% in 2021-22 with 4.1% growth in the fourth quarter of the financial year, which is better than private forecasts.

India's GDP growth better than expected

India has reached a landmark figure of 100 unicorns with a valuation of more than $300 billion. WION's Business Editor Sumit Chaturvedi spoke to some of the global and Indian startups to know how things have changed and how they are handling current challenges of slowing world economy and high inflation.

India has 100 startups in Unicorn club valued at $333 billion

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while talking about the future of the country’s ties with neighbouring India, said that trade between the two can be mutually beneficial and can help in growth of economy.

Pakistan and India have a lot to gain from mutually beneficial trade, says Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif

US auto major Ford has wrapped up India operations and now it's left over assets are being taken over by Indian firms. Indian automaker Tata motors has signed an agreement to potentially buy a Ford motor manufacturing facility in the Western state of Gujarat.

Indian Auto giant Tata Motors to buy Ford's plant

Two-day talks on water dispute between India and Pakistan is underway in New Delhi today, during which the Indus Water Treaty will also be discussed. A five-member delegation from Pakistan has arrived in New Delhi for the meeting.

India and Pakistan holds two-day Indus water talks in New Delhi

It has been eight years of the Narendra Modi government at the center, a name that has become synonymous with India. When he took office as the 14th Prime Minister, he had a long list of boxes to check let's look at some of the key achievements that India made under his governance.

India: Eight years of Narendra Modi governance

It has been 8 years of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government at the center. A name that has become synonymous with India. When he took office as the 14th Prime Minister, he had a long list of boxes to check. Let's look at some achievements that India made under his governance.

Decoding 8 years of Narendra Modi as Indian PM

Indian auto giant Tata to buy Ford motor's India plant

Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba raked up the border row with India, vowing to 'defend' all disputed territories. Why do Nepalese leaders act tough on India? How can India win Nepal over? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Nepal PM vows to defend disputed territories

A 5-member Pakistani delegation is in India for the 118th edition of the Indus river water talks. Why is India sticking to this treaty despite Pakistan's repeated attempts to foster cross-border terrorism? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Pakistan delegation in India for Indus water talks

After India’s miserable performance in the 1962 war with China, the need for a separate external intelligence agency was felt. RN Kao, a civil servant, was assigned the task of establishing a national spy agency called R&AW.

How was RAW started, Story of India’s external intelligence agency

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