Air Pollution is killing babies even before they're born. A new study has revealed that 1 in 15 failed pregnancies in South Asia is due to pollution, out of this 67% are in rural areas. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why we cannot view air pollution through a city-centric lens.

Gravitas: Air Pollution is causing miscarriages

Tesla owner and billionaire entrepreneur <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;has thrown an open challenge to the Twitteratis and has announced a $100 million prize for the winner.

Known for being a tech expert and a man with abundant resources, Musk has often used his resources in a generous way. This time, he has vowed to fight for a greener Earth.

To make his actions count in helping control climate change on the planet Earth, Musk asked people to develop a technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tweet-meet-elon-musk-suggests-road-tunnels-for-green-earth-miami-mayor-agrees-358418">Tweet meet: Elon Musk suggests road tunnels for green Earth; Miami Mayor agrees</a>

"Am donating $100M towards a prize for best carbon capture technology," Musk tweeted.

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Am donating $100M towards a prize for best carbon capture technology
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1352392678177034242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Keeping a check on the carbon emissions is becoming a point of concern lately as more and more people are urging fellow Earthlings to keep climate change in check. However, very little progress has been made, especially in the rea of technology.

Last year, the International Energy Agency had claimed that a sharp increase in deployment of carbon capture technology was needed to meet the set goals of zero emissions for various countries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-responds-to-game-developer-who-prodded-him-with-the-same-tweet-for-22-weeks-357727">Elon Musk responds to game developer who prodded him with the same Tweet for 22 weeks</a>

Keeping the same in mind, Musk has now urged people to come ahead and share ideas and develop such technologies.

A user also threw an idea at Musk, asking if "a sabatier reactor considered a carbon capture technology? Or maybe a good carbon capture machine can be used for a more efficient and powerful sabatier reactor."

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It’s a good path for fully renewable rocket energy, so solves part of problem, but longer chain hydrocarbons than CH4 are needed to be solid at room temp
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1352413001068896258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Musk acknowledged the idea and offered suggestions. "It’s a good path for fully renewable rocket energy, so solves part of problem, but longer chain hydrocarbons than CH4 are needed to be solid at room temp," he replied to the tweet.

As of now, no details have been given by the tech entrepreneur, but Musk has claimed more details will be revealed soon.

Tesla owner and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has thrown an open challenge to the Twitteratis and has announced a $100 million prize for the winner. Known for being a tech expert and a man with abundant resources, Musk has often used his resources in a generous way.

Tesla owner and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has thrown an open challenge to the Twitteratis and has announced a $100 million prize for the winner. Known for being a tech expert and a man with abundant resources, Musk has often used his resources in a generous way. This time, he has vowed to fight for a greener Earth. To make his actions count in helping control climate change on the planet Earth, Musk asked people to develop a technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions. Also read| Tweet meet: Elon Musk suggests road tunnels for green Earth; Miami Mayor agrees "Am donating $100M towards a prize for best carbon capture technology," Musk tweeted. Am donating $100M towards a prize for best carbon capture technology — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2021 × Keeping a check on the carbon emissions is becoming a point of concern lately as more and more people are urging fellow Earthlings to keep climate change in check. However, very little progress has been made, especially in the rea of technology. Last year, the International Energy Agency had claimed that a sharp increase in deployment of carbon capture technology was needed to meet the set goals of zero emissions for various countries. Also read| Elon Musk responds to game developer who prodded him with the same Tweet for 22 weeks Keeping the same in mind, Musk has now urged people to come ahead and share ideas and develop such technologies. A user also threw an idea at Musk, asking if "a sabatier reactor considered a carbon capture technology? Or maybe a good carbon capture machine can be used for a more efficient and powerful sabatier reactor." It’s a good path for fully renewable rocket energy, so solves part of problem, but longer chain hydrocarbons than CH4 are needed to be solid at room temp — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 22, 2021 × Musk acknowledged the idea and offered suggestions. "It’s a good path for fully renewable rocket energy, so solves part of problem, but longer chain hydrocarbons than CH4 are needed to be solid at room temp," he replied to the tweet. As of now, no details have been given by the tech entrepreneur, but Musk has claimed more details will be revealed soon.

Elon Musk offers $100 million to develop a technology on Twitter

Toxic air killed in India last year&nbsp;led to 1.7 million deaths accounting for 18&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of all fatalities, according to a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(20)30298-9/fulltext">study</a> published in The Lancet.

The findings of the study by Lancet Planetary Health highlighted that “lost output from deaths and diseases due to air pollution in 2019 led to a loss of 1.4 per cent&nbsp;of the GDP of the country” which adds up to 2.6 lakh crore. 
 
According to the paper, the economic loss due to air pollution as a percentage of the state GDP was higher in the northern and central Indian states. 
 
The findings in this analysis show that while 40&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the disease burden due to air pollution is from lung diseases, the remaining 60&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;is from ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and neonatal deaths related to preterm birth, thus highlighting the broad-ranging impact of air pollution on human health. 
 
However, the paper noted that India has a good economic and development trajectory, which can improve further with the reduction of air pollution. 
 
The government schemes such as the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ and ‘Unnat Chulha Abhiyan’ have aided in reducing household air pollution in the country. 
 
Such success encourages to enhance efforts to reduce outdoor air pollution as well said ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava.

The fatalities in 2019 led to a total loss of $36.8 billion, or 1.36&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of India's gross domestic product (GDP), with the poor and populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experiencing the highest economic loss as a percentage of their GDP.

Although the death rate due to household air pollution fell 64.2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;from 1990 to 2019, that due to ambient particulate matter pollution more than doubled, The&nbsp;Lancet&nbsp;said.

"The improvements in air quality across India during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and its upsurge again with the easing of restrictions, provide interesting pointers to the extent of air pollution reduction that is possible with reduced human activity," it added.

The government said in a statement that India would need to invest more in state-specific pollution control programmes if it were to meet its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024, from around $2.9 trillion now.

Toxic air killed in India last year led to 1.7 million deaths accounting for 18 per cent of all fatalities, according to a study published in The Lancet. The findings of the study by Lancet Planetary Health highlighted that “lost output from deaths and diseases due to air pollution in 2019 led to a loss of 1.

Toxic air killed in India last year led to 1.7 million deaths accounting for 18 per cent of all fatalities, according to a study published in The Lancet. The findings of the study by Lancet Planetary Health highlighted that “lost output from deaths and diseases due to air pollution in 2019 led to a loss of 1.4 per cent of the GDP of the country” which adds up to 2.6 lakh crore. According to the paper, the economic loss due to air pollution as a percentage of the state GDP was higher in the northern and central Indian states. The findings in this analysis show that while 40 per cent of the disease burden due to air pollution is from lung diseases, the remaining 60 per cent is from ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and neonatal deaths related to preterm birth, thus highlighting the broad-ranging impact of air pollution on human health. However, the paper noted that India has a good economic and development trajectory, which can improve further with the reduction of air pollution. The government schemes such as the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ and ‘Unnat Chulha Abhiyan’ have aided in reducing household air pollution in the country. Such success encourages to enhance efforts to reduce outdoor air pollution as well said ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava. The fatalities in 2019 led to a total loss of $36.8 billion, or 1.36 per cent of India's gross domestic product (GDP), with the poor and populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experiencing the highest economic loss as a percentage of their GDP. Although the death rate due to household air pollution fell 64.2 per cent from 1990 to 2019, that due to ambient particulate matter pollution more than doubled, The Lancet said. "The improvements in air quality across India during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and its upsurge again with the easing of restrictions, provide interesting pointers to the extent of air pollution reduction that is possible with reduced human activity," it added. The government said in a statement that India would need to invest more in state-specific pollution control programmes if it were to meet its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024, from around $2.9 trillion now.

Air pollution in India led to 1.7 million deaths in 2019: Study

The study, published in the The Lancet Planetary Health, has been funded by the UN Environment Programme, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

India: Air pollution killed 1.6 million people in 2019, led to 1.4% of GDP loss

So many people lost their lives due to COVID-19 in India, but the virus which gripped the entire world this year is probably not as deadly as air pollution. According to report, over 1.67 Million people have died last year due to air pollution.

Today Tonight: Rise in deaths due to pollution in India

The girl is believed to be the first person in the U.K. to have air pollution listed as the cause of death on their death certificate.

Air pollution listed as cause of 9-year-old’s death in London

The national capital Delhi will experience "very poor" air quality in the next two days, an India Meteorological Department official said on Friday.

Kuldeep Srivastava, Head, IMD's regional weather forecasting Centre in Delhi said that the stubble burning has decreased significantly and increased pollution level is mainly due to local vehicle emission and industrial pollution.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-caseload-rises-to-9571559-with-36594-new-infections-in-last-24-hours-347384" hreflang="en">India's Covid-19 caseload rises to 95,71,559 with 36,594 new infections in last 24 hours</a>

He said national capital will experience "very poor" air quality in the coming two days.

"In the last two days, wind speed has decreased significantly and is in a transition stage from easterly to northerly. From Monday again there will be a slight improvement in air quality," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-covid-positivity-rate-drops-below-5-per-cent-for-first-time-since-oct-7-347328" hreflang="en">Delhi: Covid positivity rate drops below 5 per cent for first time since Oct 7</a>

Particulate Matter (PM) 10 level in Delhi was 348 on Friday whereas PM 2.5 was at 203, which rests in very poor and poor category respectively, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked municipal corporations and local bodies in NCR, where air quality levels are normally non-compliant, and in other cities with "poor" category or worse air quality to take steps for ensuring sprinkling of water before sweeping of roads.

The national capital Delhi will experience "very poor" air quality in the next two days, an India Meteorological Department official said on Friday. Kuldeep Srivastava, Head, IMD's regional weather forecasting Centre in Delhi said that the stubble burning has decreased significantly and increased pollution level is mainly due to local vehicle emission and industrial pollution.

The national capital Delhi will experience "very poor" air quality in the next two days, an India Meteorological Department official said on Friday. Kuldeep Srivastava, Head, IMD's regional weather forecasting Centre in Delhi said that the stubble burning has decreased significantly and increased pollution level is mainly due to local vehicle emission and industrial pollution. Also read| India's Covid-19 caseload rises to 95,71,559 with 36,594 new infections in last 24 hours He said national capital will experience "very poor" air quality in the coming two days. "In the last two days, wind speed has decreased significantly and is in a transition stage from easterly to northerly. From Monday again there will be a slight improvement in air quality," he said. Also read| Delhi: Covid positivity rate drops below 5 per cent for first time since Oct 7 Particulate Matter (PM) 10 level in Delhi was 348 on Friday whereas PM 2.5 was at 203, which rests in very poor and poor category respectively, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked municipal corporations and local bodies in NCR, where air quality levels are normally non-compliant, and in other cities with "poor" category or worse air quality to take steps for ensuring sprinkling of water before sweeping of roads.

Delhi to experience very poor air quality for next two days, says IMD official

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed.

The presence of pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained high in the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 236 in Faridabad, 242 in Gurgaon, 268 in Noida, 273 in Greater Noida and 300 in Ghaziabad, according to the CPCB's Sameer app.

On Saturday, it was 171 in Faridabad, 204 in Gurgaon, 233 in Noida, 226 in Greater Noida and 240 in Ghaziabad. 
The CPCB states that an AQI in the "poor" category may cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.

The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad have four stations each, while Gurgaon has three and Greater Noida two, according to the app

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed.

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed. The presence of pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained high in the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 236 in Faridabad, 242 in Gurgaon, 268 in Noida, 273 in Greater Noida and 300 in Ghaziabad, according to the CPCB's Sameer app. On Saturday, it was 171 in Faridabad, 204 in Gurgaon, 233 in Noida, 226 in Greater Noida and 240 in Ghaziabad. The CPCB states that an AQI in the "poor" category may cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad have four stations each, while Gurgaon has three and Greater Noida two, according to the app

Air quality remains 'poor' in National Capital Region

Top doctors have warned elite runners are taking a major health risk by competing in Sunday's New Delhi half-marathon in the midst of a major coronavirus outbreak and soaring air pollution.

Women's marathon world record-holder Brigid Kosgei from Kenya and Ethiopia's two-time men's winner Andamlak Belihu are among the 49 elite athletes running the 21-kilometre (13.1 mile) race, while thousands of amateurs are taking part virtually.

Organisers say the "highest level of safety-standards, with bio-secure zones" have been laid on for the race starting at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

But with New Delhi recording more than 500,000 virus cases, and air quality in the world's most polluted capital hovering between 'unhealthy' and 'hazardous', health experts said the athletes should think twice.

"It will be suicidal for runners to run the race this time. We have such high levels of pollution, we have the risk of coronavirus," Arvind Kumar, founder trustee of the Lung Care Foundation, told AFP.

"With the presence of this twin threat if people are still running despite knowing everything, well, I have no words to express my anguish."

"Whether you are an international elite runner or you are a small boy from a village, the damaging potential of a damaging agent remains the same," said the doctor.

<h2>- Toxic mix -</h2>

&nbsp;

Randeep Guleria, director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the country's top research body, told AFP that "in an ideal situation" the race should not be run.

"Because of high levels of air pollution, exercising outside in this weather sometimes can lead to aggravation of underlying lung problems," he said.

"Even if you are an elite runner the air pollution would still affect your lung."

Normally thousands of amateurs would also take part, but because of the coronavirus they have been told to run their chosen route between Wednesday and Sunday and chart their time on an app.

Delhi has been hit by a winter pollution crisis each year for the past decade when crop-stubble burning from nearby states, cold temperatures and car and industrial pollution produce a toxic mix.

This year, the Indian capital is also a major concern in the battle against the coronavirus. India is the world's second worst-hit country behind the United States, with about 9.3 million cases.

The city is considering imposing a night-time curfew because of the rising number of cases, according to media reports.

Kosgei, who is visiting India for the first time, acknowledged her concerns about travelling for the race.

"We have definitely been affected by Covid-19. I had to convince my parents and family back home to allow me to visit Delhi for the half-marathon," she said.

"The virus has affected most of the sporting events. But it is important for us to take care of ourselves."

As in other countries, nearly all sport in India has been cancelled.&nbsp;

After repeated delays, the Indian Premier League cricket went ahead in the United Arab Emirates and the Indian Super League football is being held in a bio-secure "bubble" in Goa.

Top doctors have warned elite runners are taking a major health risk by competing in Sunday's New Delhi half-marathon in the midst of a major coronavirus outbreak and soaring air pollution.

Top doctors have warned elite runners are taking a major health risk by competing in Sunday's New Delhi half-marathon in the midst of a major coronavirus outbreak and soaring air pollution. Women's marathon world record-holder Brigid Kosgei from Kenya and Ethiopia's two-time men's winner Andamlak Belihu are among the 49 elite athletes running the 21-kilometre (13.1 mile) race, while thousands of amateurs are taking part virtually. Organisers say the "highest level of safety-standards, with bio-secure zones" have been laid on for the race starting at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. But with New Delhi recording more than 500,000 virus cases, and air quality in the world's most polluted capital hovering between 'unhealthy' and 'hazardous', health experts said the athletes should think twice. "It will be suicidal for runners to run the race this time. We have such high levels of pollution, we have the risk of coronavirus," Arvind Kumar, founder trustee of the Lung Care Foundation, told AFP. "With the presence of this twin threat if people are still running despite knowing everything, well, I have no words to express my anguish." "Whether you are an international elite runner or you are a small boy from a village, the damaging potential of a damaging agent remains the same," said the doctor. - Toxic mix - Randeep Guleria, director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the country's top research body, told AFP that "in an ideal situation" the race should not be run. "Because of high levels of air pollution, exercising outside in this weather sometimes can lead to aggravation of underlying lung problems," he said. "Even if you are an elite runner the air pollution would still affect your lung." Normally thousands of amateurs would also take part, but because of the coronavirus they have been told to run their chosen route between Wednesday and Sunday and chart their time on an app. Delhi has been hit by a winter pollution crisis each year for the past decade when crop-stubble burning from nearby states, cold temperatures and car and industrial pollution produce a toxic mix. This year, the Indian capital is also a major concern in the battle against the coronavirus. India is the world's second worst-hit country behind the United States, with about 9.3 million cases. The city is considering imposing a night-time curfew because of the rising number of cases, according to media reports. Kosgei, who is visiting India for the first time, acknowledged her concerns about travelling for the race. "We have definitely been affected by Covid-19. I had to convince my parents and family back home to allow me to visit Delhi for the half-marathon," she said. "The virus has affected most of the sporting events. But it is important for us to take care of ourselves." As in other countries, nearly all sport in India has been cancelled. After repeated delays, the Indian Premier League cricket went ahead in the United Arab Emirates and the Indian Super League football is being held in a bio-secure "bubble" in Goa.

Doctors warn over Delhi's 'suicidal' half-marathon

As India's capital chokes under smog, we decode how countries across the world are battling air pollution. Watch 'Fighting Air Pollution' on Wion Wideangle.

WION Wideangle: Fighting Air Pollution

The Supreme Court refused on Wednesday to interfere with the Calcutta High Court order banning the sale and use of firecrackers in West Bengal during Kali Puja, saying preservation of life was more important amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A vacation bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indira Banerjee said though festivals were important, but "life itself has been imperilled now" amid the pandemic.

It said the high court knew the local condition better and it should be allowed to do the needful.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by one Gautam Roy and the Burrabazaar Fireworks Dealers Association, challenging the high court order last week banning the use and sale of firecrackers during upcoming festivals, including Kali Puja and Chhath Puja, to curb pollution.

Kali Puja will be celebrated on Saturday.

"We are all battling for life in this situation and all of us have elderly people in our home," it observed.

"We are in a situation where, at this time, preservation of life is more important and the high court knows what is required at the ground level."

It added that the high court had taken care of the interest of citizens, especially senior citizens who may have comorbidities.

The high court had directed that the ban would also be in force during the Jagaddhatri Puja, Chhath and Kartik Puja, adding that the guidelines -- which were in place during Durga Puja, such as no entry to pandals -- would also be in effect.

It had lauded the state government for effectively implementing the court-directed guidelines during the Durga Puja and asked the police to ensure that the norms are strictly enforced on the other festivals as well.

Fifteen people will be allowed in the Kali Puja pandals having an area up to 300 sq metres, and 45 in the bigger ones, the court had said, while disallowing procession during immersion.

The Supreme Court refused on Wednesday to interfere with the Calcutta High Court order banning the sale and use of firecrackers in West Bengal during Kali Puja, saying preservation of life was more important amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Supreme Court refused on Wednesday to interfere with the Calcutta High Court order banning the sale and use of firecrackers in West Bengal during Kali Puja, saying preservation of life was more important amid the coronavirus pandemic. A vacation bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indira Banerjee said though festivals were important, but "life itself has been imperilled now" amid the pandemic. It said the high court knew the local condition better and it should be allowed to do the needful. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by one Gautam Roy and the Burrabazaar Fireworks Dealers Association, challenging the high court order last week banning the use and sale of firecrackers during upcoming festivals, including Kali Puja and Chhath Puja, to curb pollution. Kali Puja will be celebrated on Saturday. "We are all battling for life in this situation and all of us have elderly people in our home," it observed. "We are in a situation where, at this time, preservation of life is more important and the high court knows what is required at the ground level." It added that the high court had taken care of the interest of citizens, especially senior citizens who may have comorbidities. The high court had directed that the ban would also be in force during the Jagaddhatri Puja, Chhath and Kartik Puja, adding that the guidelines -- which were in place during Durga Puja, such as no entry to pandals -- would also be in effect. It had lauded the state government for effectively implementing the court-directed guidelines during the Durga Puja and asked the police to ensure that the norms are strictly enforced on the other festivals as well. Fifteen people will be allowed in the Kali Puja pandals having an area up to 300 sq metres, and 45 in the bigger ones, the court had said, while disallowing procession during immersion.

Preserving life more important: Supreme Court refuses to interfere with HC cracker ban

Over 1,100 FIRs have been lodged against 2,000 farmers in Uttar Pradesh for stubble burning.

Nearly, 144 FIRs have been lodged in different districts in the last 24 hours alone for stubble burning. The police lodged 15 FIRs in Balrampur, eight in Bahraich and Kushinagar, seven each in Aligarh, Basti and Hardoi, and six each in Rampur, Shahjahanpur, Siddhartha Nagar among others.

Six persons have also been arrested in Saharanpur for burning stubble.

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) H.C. Awasthi has given strict directions to all district police chiefs to stop air pollution, by spreading awareness against stubble burning and for proper disposal of crop residue by involving village committees and village heads.

Senior officials at the state DGP headquarters said Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture had informed the DGP that in spite of repeated instructions stubble burning cases were not coming down.

ADG, law and order, Prashant Kumar said the Supreme Court was monitoring the situation and district police chiefs have been asked to ensure guidelines of curbing stubble burning were followed.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has demanded withdrawal of cases against the farmers and has threatened agitation if 'victimisation'&nbsp;of farmers was not stopped.

Meanwhile, a large number of bees were reportedly charred to death in a farm in Shahjahanpur, due to stubble burning. A bee farmer, Dharmendra Kumar, claimed that he had suffered huge losses and has filed a complaint in this regard.

Dharmendra had signed up for beekeeping training in Pipraula village. In 2017, he secured a loan of Rs 2.5 lakh under the Prime Minister`s Employment Generation Programme and started his apiary with 50 hive boxes.

Each hive box cost Rs 4,500 and each hive produced nearly 25 kg honey. Besides honey production, bees play an important role as pollinators in the crop production.

Over 1,100 FIRs have been lodged against 2,000 farmers in Uttar Pradesh for stubble burning. Nearly, 144 FIRs have been lodged in different districts in the last 24 hours alone for stubble burning.

Over 1,100 FIRs have been lodged against 2,000 farmers in Uttar Pradesh for stubble burning. Nearly, 144 FIRs have been lodged in different districts in the last 24 hours alone for stubble burning. The police lodged 15 FIRs in Balrampur, eight in Bahraich and Kushinagar, seven each in Aligarh, Basti and Hardoi, and six each in Rampur, Shahjahanpur, Siddhartha Nagar among others. Six persons have also been arrested in Saharanpur for burning stubble. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) H.C. Awasthi has given strict directions to all district police chiefs to stop air pollution, by spreading awareness against stubble burning and for proper disposal of crop residue by involving village committees and village heads. Senior officials at the state DGP headquarters said Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture had informed the DGP that in spite of repeated instructions stubble burning cases were not coming down. ADG, law and order, Prashant Kumar said the Supreme Court was monitoring the situation and district police chiefs have been asked to ensure guidelines of curbing stubble burning were followed. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has demanded withdrawal of cases against the farmers and has threatened agitation if 'victimisation' of farmers was not stopped. Meanwhile, a large number of bees were reportedly charred to death in a farm in Shahjahanpur, due to stubble burning. A bee farmer, Dharmendra Kumar, claimed that he had suffered huge losses and has filed a complaint in this regard. Dharmendra had signed up for beekeeping training in Pipraula village. In 2017, he secured a loan of Rs 2.5 lakh under the Prime Minister`s Employment Generation Programme and started his apiary with 50 hive boxes. Each hive box cost Rs 4,500 and each hive produced nearly 25 kg honey. Besides honey production, bees play an important role as pollinators in the crop production.

2,000 farmers booked for stubble burning in UP

The National Green Tribunal Monday issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and four state governments on whether the use of firecrackers is banned from November 7-30 in the interest of public health and environment.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel sought response from MoEF, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Police Commissioner of Delhi and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The NGT also appointed senior advocate Raj Panjwani and advocate Shibhani Ghosh to assist it as amicus curiae in the matter.

The tribunal was hearing a plea by Indian Social Responsibility Network, filed through Santosh Gupta, seeking action against pollution by use of firecrackers in NCR during the time air quality is unsatisfactory with the potential of the severity of COVID-19 pandemic.

&nbsp;The application referred to the statement of the Union Health Minister and the Health Minister of Delhi that during the festive season there will be a rise of COVID-19 cases due to air pollution. Increased pollution may further affect vulnerable groups and increase the fatality rate.

COVID-19 cases in Delhi may go up to 15,000 per day, as against the current cases of about 5,000 per day.

"Use of green crackers will not remedy the situation. The smoke will choke and may create gas chamber like situation. It will lead to poor visibility, hazy conditions and asphyxia," the plea said.

The National Green Tribunal Monday issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and four state governments on whether the use of firecrackers is banned from November 7-30 in the interest of public health and environment.

The National Green Tribunal Monday issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and four state governments on whether the use of firecrackers is banned from November 7-30 in the interest of public health and environment. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel sought response from MoEF, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Police Commissioner of Delhi and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The NGT also appointed senior advocate Raj Panjwani and advocate Shibhani Ghosh to assist it as amicus curiae in the matter. The tribunal was hearing a plea by Indian Social Responsibility Network, filed through Santosh Gupta, seeking action against pollution by use of firecrackers in NCR during the time air quality is unsatisfactory with the potential of the severity of COVID-19 pandemic. The application referred to the statement of the Union Health Minister and the Health Minister of Delhi that during the festive season there will be a rise of COVID-19 cases due to air pollution. Increased pollution may further affect vulnerable groups and increase the fatality rate. COVID-19 cases in Delhi may go up to 15,000 per day, as against the current cases of about 5,000 per day. "Use of green crackers will not remedy the situation. The smoke will choke and may create gas chamber like situation. It will lead to poor visibility, hazy conditions and asphyxia," the plea said.

Air pollution: NGT notice to Centre to blanket ban firecrackers from November 7-30

Millions of old and used cars exported from the European Union, Japan, and the United States to developing countries is&nbsp;fuelling air pollution,&nbsp;a UN report warns.

Around three million&nbsp;used&nbsp;vehicles are&nbsp;exported each year between 2015 and 2018 from these places&nbsp;with most going to low- and middle-income countries and more than half ending up in Africa, according to a report released Monday by the UN Environment Programme.

With the expansion of car ownership in developing countries expected to be a major source of emissions in the coming decades, the UNEP called for tightening the rules for exporting and importing old, polluting vehicles.&nbsp;

"Developed countries must stop exporting vehicles that fail environment and safety inspections and are no longer considered roadworthy in their own countries while importing countries should introduce stronger quality standards," said UNEP's executive director, Inger Andersen.&nbsp;

The agency cited an investigation by Dutch authorities in 2019 that found the average age of vehicles waiting to be exported was 18 years.

They also had more than 200,000 km (125,000 miles) on their odometers on average, and many were missing catalytic converters that reduce toxic gases from the exhaust.

UNEP said that two-thirds of the 146 countries it looked at had weak rules regarding the import of&nbsp;used&nbsp;vehicles, and some had no pollution standards.&nbsp;

Millions of old and used cars exported from the European Union, Japan, and the United States to developing countries is fuelling air pollution, a UN report warns.

Millions of old and used cars exported from the European Union, Japan, and the United States to developing countries is fuelling air pollution, a UN report warns. Around three million used vehicles are exported each year between 2015 and 2018 from these places with most going to low- and middle-income countries and more than half ending up in Africa, according to a report released Monday by the UN Environment Programme. With the expansion of car ownership in developing countries expected to be a major source of emissions in the coming decades, the UNEP called for tightening the rules for exporting and importing old, polluting vehicles. "Developed countries must stop exporting vehicles that fail environment and safety inspections and are no longer considered roadworthy in their own countries while importing countries should introduce stronger quality standards," said UNEP's executive director, Inger Andersen. The agency cited an investigation by Dutch authorities in 2019 that found the average age of vehicles waiting to be exported was 18 years. They also had more than 200,000 km (125,000 miles) on their odometers on average, and many were missing catalytic converters that reduce toxic gases from the exhaust. UNEP said that two-thirds of the 146 countries it looked at had weak rules regarding the import of used vehicles, and some had no pollution standards.

'Old and unsafe' cars fuelling air pollution in developing countries, report finds

A study by Harvard University showed that an increase of only one microgram per cubic metre in Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 may cause an 8 per cent increase in the COVID-19 death rate.

Your Story: Air pollution may hinder India's fight against COVID-19, says study

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category.&nbsp;

People of Delhi complained of difficulty in breathing as they went out for exercising on Monday amid the haze. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-coronavirus-infections-near-80-million-daily-death-toll-lowest-in-three-months-337941">India: Coronavirus infections near 80 million; daily death toll lowest in three months</a>

"The pollution is becoming hazardous," said Mukul Diwan, a local, as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-arrives-in-new-delhi-338002">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in New Delhi</a>

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 343 at 10 am on Monday, which comes under the category of "very poor".&nbsp;

SAFAR, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, said the direction and speed of the wind are favourable for the transport of the pollutants from farm fires in Haryana, Punjab, and other regions adjacent to Delhi.

For the last few years with the arrival of winter, Delhi and other northern Indian regions witness a sharp drop in air quality majorly due to stubble burning, which is done to do away farm residues.&nbsp;

Also, the cold weather let the pollutants hang in the air due to which air pollution rises.&nbsp;

Delhi is already battling a coronavirus crisis and the pollution can worsen the situation as the deadly virus confronts the respiratory system.&nbsp;

A few weeks ago, a report by a central government institute said that Delhi could see 15,000 Covid-19 cases per day in the upcoming winter season.&nbsp;

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category.

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category. People of Delhi complained of difficulty in breathing as they went out for exercising on Monday amid the haze. Also read | India: Coronavirus infections near 80 million; daily death toll lowest in three months "The pollution is becoming hazardous," said Mukul Diwan, a local, as quoted by news agency Reuters. Also read | US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in New Delhi Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 343 at 10 am on Monday, which comes under the category of "very poor". SAFAR, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, said the direction and speed of the wind are favourable for the transport of the pollutants from farm fires in Haryana, Punjab, and other regions adjacent to Delhi. For the last few years with the arrival of winter, Delhi and other northern Indian regions witness a sharp drop in air quality majorly due to stubble burning, which is done to do away farm residues. Also, the cold weather let the pollutants hang in the air due to which air pollution rises. Delhi is already battling a coronavirus crisis and the pollution can worsen the situation as the deadly virus confronts the respiratory system. A few weeks ago, a report by a central government institute said that Delhi could see 15,000 Covid-19 cases per day in the upcoming winter season.

'Very poor' air continues to trouble Delhi residents

'Look at India. It's filthy. The air is filthy' said Donald Trump in the final Presidential Debate 2020. WION's Palki Sharma asks: Should the world's 'biggest climate change denier' be talking about India?

Gravitas: North Korea warns against 'Coronavirus dust storm' from China

Gravitas: Should Trump be preaching India?

A global study has claimed that air pollution killed 500,000 newborns in 2019. More than 116,000 of those deaths were in India. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Air pollution killed 500,000 newborns in 2019

Air pollution is not only reducing the life span of humans but is also proving to be fatal to newborns.

Over 476,000 infants in all over the wordl did not live long enough due to air pollution that resulted in high particulate matter (PM) in 2019, a global study has said.

India and Sub-Saharan Africa are the biggest hotspots, according to a new global study which said that nearly two-thirds of the deaths came from noxious fumes from cooking fuels.

More than 116,000 Indian infants died from air pollution in the first month of life, and the corresponding figure was 236,000 in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the State of Global Air 2020.

The estimates were produced by the US-based Health Effects Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's Global Burden of Disease project.

The authors wrote they relied on a growing body of evidence linking mothers' exposures during pregnancy to air pollution with the increased risk of their infants being born too small (low birth weight) or too early (preterm birth).

These conditions are associated with serious complications and already account for the vast majority of neonatal deaths in both regions.&nbsp;

The new analysis estimated what percentage of those deaths came from ambient and household air pollution.

"An infant's health is critical to the future of every society, and this newest evidence suggests an especially high risk for infants born in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa," said Dan Greenbaum, President of HEI.

"Although there has been slow and steady reduction in household reliance on poor-quality fuels, the air pollution from these fuels continues to be a key factor in the deaths of these youngest infants," he added.

Overall, the report found that air pollution led to 6.7 million deaths worldwide in 2019, making it the fourth leading cause of death behind high blood pressure, tobacco use, and dietary risks.

The authors added that while the Covid-19 pandemic had led to significant societal and personal costs, "many countries around the world have experienced blue skies and starry nights, often for the first time in many years" -- but these gains were short lived.

"Nonetheless, the blue skies have offered a reminder of what pollution takes away," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Air pollution is not only reducing the life span of humans but is also proving to be fatal to newborns. Over 476,000 infants in all over the wordl did not live long enough due to air pollution that resulted in high particulate matter (PM) in 2019, a global study has said.

Air pollution is not only reducing the life span of humans but is also proving to be fatal to newborns. Over 476,000 infants in all over the wordl did not live long enough due to air pollution that resulted in high particulate matter (PM) in 2019, a global study has said. India and Sub-Saharan Africa are the biggest hotspots, according to a new global study which said that nearly two-thirds of the deaths came from noxious fumes from cooking fuels. More than 116,000 Indian infants died from air pollution in the first month of life, and the corresponding figure was 236,000 in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the State of Global Air 2020. The estimates were produced by the US-based Health Effects Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's Global Burden of Disease project. The authors wrote they relied on a growing body of evidence linking mothers' exposures during pregnancy to air pollution with the increased risk of their infants being born too small (low birth weight) or too early (preterm birth). These conditions are associated with serious complications and already account for the vast majority of neonatal deaths in both regions. The new analysis estimated what percentage of those deaths came from ambient and household air pollution. "An infant's health is critical to the future of every society, and this newest evidence suggests an especially high risk for infants born in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa," said Dan Greenbaum, President of HEI. "Although there has been slow and steady reduction in household reliance on poor-quality fuels, the air pollution from these fuels continues to be a key factor in the deaths of these youngest infants," he added. Overall, the report found that air pollution led to 6.7 million deaths worldwide in 2019, making it the fourth leading cause of death behind high blood pressure, tobacco use, and dietary risks. The authors added that while the Covid-19 pandemic had led to significant societal and personal costs, "many countries around the world have experienced blue skies and starry nights, often for the first time in many years" -- but these gains were short lived. "Nonetheless, the blue skies have offered a reminder of what pollution takes away," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Toxic air pollution killed 5 lakh newborns, India biggest hotspot: Global study

As the country is witnessing a massive surge in air pollution, will the coming winter season make COVID-19 more lethal?

COVID-19 and air pollution: Will pollution make COVID more lethal?

The farmers of Punjab and Haryana have started their annual exercise of burning crop stubble to prepare the fields for rabi (winter) crops and due to this practice of large area the air quality Delhi -NCR has started deteriorating.

The national capital's air quality was recorded in the poor category Thursday morning and it is likely to deteriorate further due to unfavourable meteorological conditions and spike in farm fires. 
The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 201 at 9 am, which falls in the poor category.

Delhi's air quality had turned poor even on Wednesday, the first time in since June 29, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording a 24-hour average AQI of 215. It was 178 on Tuesday.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday agreed to examine a suggestion that a portion of Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be withheld from farmers and released later only after verification that they didn’t burn stubble.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by environmental activist and class 12 student Aditya Dubey and law student Aman Banka who sought directions to provide free of cost stubble removing machines to small and marginal farmers to check high particulate matters in the air.

The petition contended that stubble burning contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi.

The PIL referred to the Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild Covid-19 infection into an acute one.

Meanwhile, India's sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which contribute to air pollution, recorded a significant decline of approximately six per cent in 2019 as compared to 2018, the steepest dip in four years, a report has said.

However, India continues to occupy the top emitter's position for the fifth consecutive year, the report based on an analysis by Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), released on Tuesday, said.

Sulphur dioxide is a poisonous air pollutant that increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and premature death. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

The farmers of Punjab and Haryana have started their annual exercise of burning crop stubble to prepare the fields for rabi (winter) crops and due to this practice of large area the air quality Delhi -NCR has started deteriorating.

The farmers of Punjab and Haryana have started their annual exercise of burning crop stubble to prepare the fields for rabi (winter) crops and due to this practice of large area the air quality Delhi -NCR has started deteriorating. The national capital's air quality was recorded in the poor category Thursday morning and it is likely to deteriorate further due to unfavourable meteorological conditions and spike in farm fires. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 201 at 9 am, which falls in the poor category. Delhi's air quality had turned poor even on Wednesday, the first time in since June 29, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording a 24-hour average AQI of 215. It was 178 on Tuesday. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday agreed to examine a suggestion that a portion of Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be withheld from farmers and released later only after verification that they didn’t burn stubble. The top court was hearing a plea filed by environmental activist and class 12 student Aditya Dubey and law student Aman Banka who sought directions to provide free of cost stubble removing machines to small and marginal farmers to check high particulate matters in the air. The petition contended that stubble burning contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi. The PIL referred to the Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild Covid-19 infection into an acute one. Meanwhile, India's sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which contribute to air pollution, recorded a significant decline of approximately six per cent in 2019 as compared to 2018, the steepest dip in four years, a report has said. However, India continues to occupy the top emitter's position for the fifth consecutive year, the report based on an analysis by Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), released on Tuesday, said. Sulphur dioxide is a poisonous air pollutant that increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and premature death. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi-NCR fears air pollution as farmers continue stubble burning

China saw average concentrations of lung-damaging airborne particles known as PM2.5 fall by 10.8 per cent from January to July as industry slowed because of the coronavirus, data showed on Friday, though levels were still well above WHO recommendations.

Average PM2.5 stood at 33 micrograms per cubic metre over the seven months, according to data collected from monitoring stations in more than 300 cities, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said.

China's national standard is 35 micrograms, though the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends levels of no more than 10.

PM2.5 is caused by the burning of fossil fuels and other industrial processes and is associated with a range of health problems, including respiratory disease and cancer.

The environment ministry said the improvement in air quality throughout the country in February and March was "incomparable" after the government imposed lockdowns to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, which cut industrial activity and traffic.

But environmental groups have warned that China might turn a blind eye to industrial polluters and rely on energy-intensive processes to try to reverse the economic impact of the pandemic in the second half of the year.

"There was a temporary pollution increase in April but it quickly went down in May," said Li Shuo, senior energy and climate analyst with Greenpeace. "We need to see if July represents the beginning of a larger trend."

In July, average PM2.5 levels fell 5 per cent, but some regions saw a rebound. The capital, Beijing, saw average PM2.5 rise 10.8 per cent to 41 micrograms. The smog-prone Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region as a whole jumped 5.9 per cent to 36 micrograms.

"Industrial outputs are coming back to pre-Covid levels," said Li.

"Sometimes air quality would correspond with that, sometimes not. Weather and other conditions play a role here too."

China saw average concentrations of lung-damaging airborne particles known as PM2.5 fall by 10.8 per cent from January to July as industry slowed because of the coronavirus, data showed on Friday, though levels were still well above WHO recommendations.

China saw average concentrations of lung-damaging airborne particles known as PM2.5 fall by 10.8 per cent from January to July as industry slowed because of the coronavirus, data showed on Friday, though levels were still well above WHO recommendations. Average PM2.5 stood at 33 micrograms per cubic metre over the seven months, according to data collected from monitoring stations in more than 300 cities, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said. China's national standard is 35 micrograms, though the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends levels of no more than 10. PM2.5 is caused by the burning of fossil fuels and other industrial processes and is associated with a range of health problems, including respiratory disease and cancer. The environment ministry said the improvement in air quality throughout the country in February and March was "incomparable" after the government imposed lockdowns to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, which cut industrial activity and traffic. But environmental groups have warned that China might turn a blind eye to industrial polluters and rely on energy-intensive processes to try to reverse the economic impact of the pandemic in the second half of the year. "There was a temporary pollution increase in April but it quickly went down in May," said Li Shuo, senior energy and climate analyst with Greenpeace. "We need to see if July represents the beginning of a larger trend." In July, average PM2.5 levels fell 5 per cent, but some regions saw a rebound. The capital, Beijing, saw average PM2.5 rise 10.8 per cent to 41 micrograms. The smog-prone Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region as a whole jumped 5.9 per cent to 36 micrograms. "Industrial outputs are coming back to pre-Covid levels," said Li. "Sometimes air quality would correspond with that, sometimes not. Weather and other conditions play a role here too."

Air pollution in China drops by 10% owing to coronavirus restrictions

Underlining that air pollution does not respect borders be it cities, states or countries, experts from various South Asian countries have called for regional cooperation with the data creating models to improve the air qualities.&nbsp;

A webinar 'Air Qualities in South Asia: Opportunities and Challenge'&nbsp;took place on Thursday during which top experts from the US, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan talked about air quality in South Asia and discussed a roadmap towards cleaner air in South Asia.

Speaking during the webinar, Michael Greenstone, Director of Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) said that air pollution causes people to lead shorter and sicker lives, adding that average Indian would live 5.2 years longer if air qualities are brought with compliance to the standard set by World Health Organisation.&nbsp;

Calling particulate air pollution as the single greatest threat, Greenstone said: "Air pollution causes people to lead shorter and sicker lives. 5.5 billion People currently live in areas that exceed the WHO safe guidelines for small-particulate pollution. Across the entire planet, an average person loses 1.9 years of life expectancy to particulate air pollution that is more than what people lose from smoking."

Greenstone said: "In India which is the second most polluted country in the world, an average person would live 5.2 years longer if air qualities are brought with the WHO standard" Similarly, average life expectancy in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal could go up by 6 years, 2.8 years and 4.6 years respectively if the WHO guidelines were met, he said. Making the opening remarks during the webinar, Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs, US Embassy, David Kennedy, said that improving air qualities requires cooperation from within the countries and across regions "Air pollution does not respect borders be it cities, states or countries. Improving air qualities requires collaboration from within the countries and across regions. It requires consistent long term focus, actions and attention by all section of societies--policymakers, health professionals, frontline activists’ media students and every member of the public," he said. Kennedy said that the US government has partnered with India on strengthening health systems.&nbsp;

"The United States and India have a very close relationship, anchored at the mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement in our citizens. The engagement between India and the US focuses on better monitoring of data on air pollution," he said.&nbsp;

Other speakers who spoke during the webinar are Ranil Dhammapala, Air Quality Fellow, U.S. Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Christopher Commins, Economic Officer, Economic, Environment, science &amp; technology section, U.S. Embassy, New Delhi; Abid Omar, Founder, Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, Karachi. The webinar was organised by Lung Care Foundation.Dhammapala said that there is a strong indication that Artificial Intelligence is going to revolutionise air quality monitoring."Strong indication of data generated using AI is going to revolutionise air quality monitoring and help people make an informed decision," said Ranil Dhammapala. Meanwhile, Commins said that effects of lockdown due to COVID19 pandemic have given "us hope that change can occur and has reinforced technology as a means for it to happen".

Abid Omar stressed that there is a need for regional collaborations with the data creating models and have directly comparable transboundary data.

"We need regional collaborations with the data creating models and have directly comparable transboundary data. We can then go forward towards making richer model about the flow of particulate matter pollution," Omar said.

Underlining that air pollution does not respect borders be it cities, states or countries, experts from various South Asian countries have called for regional cooperation with the data creating models to improve the air qualities.

Underlining that air pollution does not respect borders be it cities, states or countries, experts from various South Asian countries have called for regional cooperation with the data creating models to improve the air qualities. A webinar 'Air Qualities in South Asia: Opportunities and Challenge' took place on Thursday during which top experts from the US, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan talked about air quality in South Asia and discussed a roadmap towards cleaner air in South Asia. Speaking during the webinar, Michael Greenstone, Director of Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) said that air pollution causes people to lead shorter and sicker lives, adding that average Indian would live 5.2 years longer if air qualities are brought with compliance to the standard set by World Health Organisation. Calling particulate air pollution as the single greatest threat, Greenstone said: "Air pollution causes people to lead shorter and sicker lives. 5.5 billion People currently live in areas that exceed the WHO safe guidelines for small-particulate pollution. Across the entire planet, an average person loses 1.9 years of life expectancy to particulate air pollution that is more than what people lose from smoking." Greenstone said: "In India which is the second most polluted country in the world, an average person would live 5.2 years longer if air qualities are brought with the WHO standard" Similarly, average life expectancy in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal could go up by 6 years, 2.8 years and 4.6 years respectively if the WHO guidelines were met, he said. Making the opening remarks during the webinar, Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs, US Embassy, David Kennedy, said that improving air qualities requires cooperation from within the countries and across regions "Air pollution does not respect borders be it cities, states or countries. Improving air qualities requires collaboration from within the countries and across regions. It requires consistent long term focus, actions and attention by all section of societies--policymakers, health professionals, frontline activists’ media students and every member of the public," he said. Kennedy said that the US government has partnered with India on strengthening health systems. "The United States and India have a very close relationship, anchored at the mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement in our citizens. The engagement between India and the US focuses on better monitoring of data on air pollution," he said. Other speakers who spoke during the webinar are Ranil Dhammapala, Air Quality Fellow, U.S. Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Christopher Commins, Economic Officer, Economic, Environment, science & technology section, U.S. Embassy, New Delhi; Abid Omar, Founder, Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, Karachi. The webinar was organised by Lung Care Foundation.Dhammapala said that there is a strong indication that Artificial Intelligence is going to revolutionise air quality monitoring."Strong indication of data generated using AI is going to revolutionise air quality monitoring and help people make an informed decision," said Ranil Dhammapala. Meanwhile, Commins said that effects of lockdown due to COVID19 pandemic have given "us hope that change can occur and has reinforced technology as a means for it to happen". Abid Omar stressed that there is a need for regional collaborations with the data creating models and have directly comparable transboundary data. "We need regional collaborations with the data creating models and have directly comparable transboundary data. We can then go forward towards making richer model about the flow of particulate matter pollution," Omar said.

Air pollution does not respect borders, regional cooperation required: Experts

Could air pollution be contributing to a spike in the number of COVID-19 infections? This analysis claims there is “compelling” evidence.

The study, which took into account over 20 factors ascertained how air pollution in one particular area causes more infections, and also more admissions and deaths in hospitals.

Major spike!

Any long-term exposure to polluted air can trigger over a 10 per cent spike in infections, and over 15 per cent increase in the number of COVID-related deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/surge-in-deaths-due-to-hiv-tuberculosis-and-malaria-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-study-313145" hreflang="en">Surge in deaths due to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria amid coronavirus pandemic: Study</a>

Co-morbidities have a major role to play in the fatality of most coronavirus cases. The researchers took into account factors like age, obesity, household size, population density, occupation, etc.

The study, based mostly in the Netherlands corroborates the evidence of infection rates and its link to pollution from Europe, the US, and China. It is in fact fundamentally very different from the Euro-centric studies, for most pollution in the Netherlands takes place not in big cities, but in the suburbs, where most livestock farming takes place.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-as-argentine-sailors-infected-with-virus-after-35-days-at-sea-313138" hreflang="en">Mystery as Argentine sailors infected with virus after 35 days at sea</a>

This cancels out the commonly held belief that high air pollution and cityscapes go hand-in-hand. According to scientists, this could help identify and contain cases in potential hotspots, where the pollution levels are the highest.

Making minor cases fatal

The basic rationale behind this is the fact that air pollution could make even minor cases fatal, for it inflames the lungs and adds on to respiratory woes, which may get complicated after long-term exposure to pollution coinciding with one contracting the deadly virus.

Air pollution also significantly adds to heart disease, putting them at more risk of death.

The research was undertaken by a group of scientists at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, and has been reviewed by independent scientists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-case-uk-winter-could-see-120000-covid-deaths-in-second-wave-313135" hreflang="en">'Worst-case' UK winter could see 120,000 COVID deaths in second wave</a>

The team was able to find a “positive relationship” between air pollution and coronavirus cases.

A similar study earlier undertaken by Harvard University had claimed how an eight per cent increase in COVID-related deaths could be attributed to a single-unit increase in the fine particle pollution.

The researchers also took into account the “Netherlands carnival”, where people meet in the livestock farming regions. It is here that the number of coronavirus infections remain the highest, probably due to the high levels of ammonia emitted by the animals.

They also looked at factors like smoking, average income, and education level.

Could air pollution be contributing to a spike in the number of COVID-19 infections? This analysis claims there is “compelling” evidence. The study, which took into account over 20 factors ascertained how air pollution in one particular area causes more infections, and also more admissions and deaths in hospitals.

Could air pollution be contributing to a spike in the number of COVID-19 infections? This analysis claims there is “compelling” evidence. The study, which took into account over 20 factors ascertained how air pollution in one particular area causes more infections, and also more admissions and deaths in hospitals. Major spike! Any long-term exposure to polluted air can trigger over a 10 per cent spike in infections, and over 15 per cent increase in the number of COVID-related deaths. Also read: Surge in deaths due to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria amid coronavirus pandemic: Study Co-morbidities have a major role to play in the fatality of most coronavirus cases. The researchers took into account factors like age, obesity, household size, population density, occupation, etc. The study, based mostly in the Netherlands corroborates the evidence of infection rates and its link to pollution from Europe, the US, and China. It is in fact fundamentally very different from the Euro-centric studies, for most pollution in the Netherlands takes place not in big cities, but in the suburbs, where most livestock farming takes place. Also read: Mystery as Argentine sailors infected with virus after 35 days at sea This cancels out the commonly held belief that high air pollution and cityscapes go hand-in-hand. According to scientists, this could help identify and contain cases in potential hotspots, where the pollution levels are the highest. Making minor cases fatal The basic rationale behind this is the fact that air pollution could make even minor cases fatal, for it inflames the lungs and adds on to respiratory woes, which may get complicated after long-term exposure to pollution coinciding with one contracting the deadly virus. Air pollution also significantly adds to heart disease, putting them at more risk of death. The research was undertaken by a group of scientists at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, and has been reviewed by independent scientists. Also read: 'Worst-case' UK winter could see 120,000 COVID deaths in second wave The team was able to find a “positive relationship” between air pollution and coronavirus cases. A similar study earlier undertaken by Harvard University had claimed how an eight per cent increase in COVID-related deaths could be attributed to a single-unit increase in the fine particle pollution. The researchers also took into account the “Netherlands carnival”, where people meet in the livestock farming regions. It is here that the number of coronavirus infections remain the highest, probably due to the high levels of ammonia emitted by the animals. They also looked at factors like smoking, average income, and education level.

Air pollution significantly contributes to rise in coronavirus infections and deaths: Study

France's top administrative court asked the government to take concrete steps to control air pollution in many cities and town or face fines of 10 million euros ($11.3 million) every six months until all the conditions are fulfilled.&nbsp;

The State Council, said in a statement, the amount is the highest it has ever fined to "oblige the state to implement a decision taken by the administrative judiciary," reported AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-rules-out-total-lockdown-in-case-of-new-covid-19-spike-311595">France rules out 'total lockdown' in case of new COVID-19 spike</a>

Earlier, the court had said three years ago that the state was not fulfilling its commitments to reduce nitrogen dioxide and PM10 particulates in 13 areas to comply with EU limits agreed upon in 2008.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-picks-new-prime-minister-to-reinvent-presidency-310524">France's Macron picks new prime minister to reinvent presidency</a>

Many NGOs including Friends of the Earth later filed suit, urging the court to force the government to curb pollution.&nbsp;

The court said the fine reflected the seriousness of a public health risk that leads to nearly 50,000 premature deaths in the country every year.

The fined would be given to plaintiffs, as well as other independent bodies, or activists who are working on the field to reduce pollution.&nbsp;

France's top administrative court asked the government to take concrete steps to control air pollution in many cities and town or face fines of 10 million euros ($11.

France's top administrative court asked the government to take concrete steps to control air pollution in many cities and town or face fines of 10 million euros ($11.3 million) every six months until all the conditions are fulfilled. The State Council, said in a statement, the amount is the highest it has ever fined to "oblige the state to implement a decision taken by the administrative judiciary," reported AFP. Also read | France rules out 'total lockdown' in case of new COVID-19 spike Earlier, the court had said three years ago that the state was not fulfilling its commitments to reduce nitrogen dioxide and PM10 particulates in 13 areas to comply with EU limits agreed upon in 2008. Also read | France's Macron picks new prime minister to reinvent presidency Many NGOs including Friends of the Earth later filed suit, urging the court to force the government to curb pollution. The court said the fine reflected the seriousness of a public health risk that leads to nearly 50,000 premature deaths in the country every year. The fined would be given to plaintiffs, as well as other independent bodies, or activists who are working on the field to reduce pollution.

Top court warns French government of fine if it fails to curb air pollution

As the climate changes rapidly because of human activity, scientists and researchers have always struggled to find a corner of the Earth unaffected by people.

But researchers from Colorado State University have now identified an atmospheric region which remains unchanged by human activity. They say it is the world's cleanest air, free from particles caused by human activity, located over the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica.

This result was based on a first-of-its-kind study of the bioaerosol composition of the Southern Ocean.

Researchers found that the boundary layer air, which feeds the lower clouds over the Southern Ocean, was free from aerosol particles produced by human activity -- including burning fossil fuels and wastewater disposal -- or transported from other countries around the world.

Research scientist and co-author of the study Thomas Hill explained that "the aerosols controlling the properties of SO (Southern Ocean) clouds are strongly linked to ocean biological processes, and that Antarctica appears to be isolated from southward dispersal of microorganisms and nutrient deposition from southern continents," he said in a statement.

"Overall, it suggests that the SO is one of very few places on Earth that has been minimally affected by anthropogenic activities," he added.

Scientists sampled the air in the marine boundary level, and then examined the composition of airborne microbes. And found that the microbes' origins were from the ocean.

They also concluded that aerosols from distant land masses and human activities, such as pollution or soil emissions caused by land use change, were not travelling south and into the air.

Scientists say that the results show a stark difference to all other studies from oceans both in the northern hemisphere and subtropics, which found that most microbes came from upwind continents.

In the study hence published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, scientists described the area as "truly pristine." 
&nbsp;

As the climate changes rapidly because of human activity, scientists and researchers have always struggled to find a corner of the Earth unaffected by people. But researchers from Colorado State University have now identified an atmospheric region which remains unchanged by human activity.

As the climate changes rapidly because of human activity, scientists and researchers have always struggled to find a corner of the Earth unaffected by people. But researchers from Colorado State University have now identified an atmospheric region which remains unchanged by human activity. They say it is the world's cleanest air, free from particles caused by human activity, located over the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica. This result was based on a first-of-its-kind study of the bioaerosol composition of the Southern Ocean. Researchers found that the boundary layer air, which feeds the lower clouds over the Southern Ocean, was free from aerosol particles produced by human activity -- including burning fossil fuels and wastewater disposal -- or transported from other countries around the world. Research scientist and co-author of the study Thomas Hill explained that "the aerosols controlling the properties of SO (Southern Ocean) clouds are strongly linked to ocean biological processes, and that Antarctica appears to be isolated from southward dispersal of microorganisms and nutrient deposition from southern continents," he said in a statement. "Overall, it suggests that the SO is one of very few places on Earth that has been minimally affected by anthropogenic activities," he added. Scientists sampled the air in the marine boundary level, and then examined the composition of airborne microbes. And found that the microbes' origins were from the ocean. They also concluded that aerosols from distant land masses and human activities, such as pollution or soil emissions caused by land use change, were not travelling south and into the air. Scientists say that the results show a stark difference to all other studies from oceans both in the northern hemisphere and subtropics, which found that most microbes came from upwind continents. In the study hence published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, scientists described the area as "truly pristine."

This is the place where you can find the cleanest air on Earth!

China's air quality saw "incomparable" improvements in the first quarter of this year as a coronavirus outbreak led to rapid declines in industrial activity and transportation, an environment ministry official said on Friday.

The number of "blue sky days" rose by 6.6 percentage points in the first quarter of 2020, said Liu Bingjiang, head of the air pollution office at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

"That was a level we didn't even dare imagine," he said, noting the target for the whole 2016-2020 period was 3.3 percentage points.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-a-part-of-18-point-plan-of-us-to-uncover-chinas-lies-298782">Also read:&nbsp;India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies</a>

China has for several months been grappling with a coronavirus outbreak, which has spread around the world and infected more than 4 million people, forcing governments to impose strict lockdowns, severely hurting economic activity.

With millions staying home, concentrations of small lung-damaging floating particles fell by nearly 15% in more than 300 Chinese cities in the first three months of the year, according to official ministry data.

Emissions in the city of Shanghai fell by nearly 20% in the first quarter while Beijing`s average emissions levels stood still in the first three months of the year, the data showed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-china-of-stealing-american-research-on-covid-19-298763">Also read:&nbsp;Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19</a>

In Wuhan, where the pandemic originated, monthly averages of particulate matter emissions dropped more than a third.

Normally the country`s smoggiest province, Hebei also saw PM2.5 concentrations, a measure of air pollution, fall 15.7% in the first four months of 2020.

The province, however, attributed the drop to its crackdowns on pollution rather than the coronavirus.

New normal 
China has gradually loosened the lockdown since late March in several cities and Liu said the resumption of normal economic activity had not led to a noticeable decline in air quality so far.

He also attributed the improvements in China`s air quality to its strenuous anti-pollution efforts over the last few years.

China declared "war" on pollution in 2014 after a spate of politically damaging outbreaks of smog in Beijing and other regions and has been strict to punish those breaking the rules.

The country normally sets targets over the October-March winter heating period, forcing cities to make improvements in air quality compared to the previous year.

But Liu said the steep declines in emissions brought about by the virus would make it too difficult for cities to make further year-on-year cuts next winter, so China would not make the targets a "decisive element" of compliance over the period.

He said China would continue to eliminate small-scale coal use this year and further promote the replacement of coal by gas or electricity in households throughout northern regions, noting that the policies and financial support were now in place.

China is currently working on a new anti-smog plan that would further target ground-level ozone pollution, a rising health risk caused mainly by vehicle exhaust fumes and sunlight.

It will also extend the "blue sky" campaign to other regions, including Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong and Henan, he said.

China's air quality saw "incomparable" improvements in the first quarter of this year as a coronavirus outbreak led to rapid declines in industrial activity and transportation, an environment ministry official said on Friday.

China's air quality saw "incomparable" improvements in the first quarter of this year as a coronavirus outbreak led to rapid declines in industrial activity and transportation, an environment ministry official said on Friday. The number of "blue sky days" rose by 6.6 percentage points in the first quarter of 2020, said Liu Bingjiang, head of the air pollution office at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. "That was a level we didn't even dare imagine," he said, noting the target for the whole 2016-2020 period was 3.3 percentage points. Also read: India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies China has for several months been grappling with a coronavirus outbreak, which has spread around the world and infected more than 4 million people, forcing governments to impose strict lockdowns, severely hurting economic activity. With millions staying home, concentrations of small lung-damaging floating particles fell by nearly 15% in more than 300 Chinese cities in the first three months of the year, according to official ministry data. Emissions in the city of Shanghai fell by nearly 20% in the first quarter while Beijing`s average emissions levels stood still in the first three months of the year, the data showed. Also read: Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19 In Wuhan, where the pandemic originated, monthly averages of particulate matter emissions dropped more than a third. Normally the country`s smoggiest province, Hebei also saw PM2.5 concentrations, a measure of air pollution, fall 15.7% in the first four months of 2020. The province, however, attributed the drop to its crackdowns on pollution rather than the coronavirus. New normal China has gradually loosened the lockdown since late March in several cities and Liu said the resumption of normal economic activity had not led to a noticeable decline in air quality so far. He also attributed the improvements in China`s air quality to its strenuous anti-pollution efforts over the last few years. China declared "war" on pollution in 2014 after a spate of politically damaging outbreaks of smog in Beijing and other regions and has been strict to punish those breaking the rules. The country normally sets targets over the October-March winter heating period, forcing cities to make improvements in air quality compared to the previous year. But Liu said the steep declines in emissions brought about by the virus would make it too difficult for cities to make further year-on-year cuts next winter, so China would not make the targets a "decisive element" of compliance over the period. He said China would continue to eliminate small-scale coal use this year and further promote the replacement of coal by gas or electricity in households throughout northern regions, noting that the policies and financial support were now in place. China is currently working on a new anti-smog plan that would further target ground-level ozone pollution, a rising health risk caused mainly by vehicle exhaust fumes and sunlight. It will also extend the "blue sky" campaign to other regions, including Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong and Henan, he said.

Chinese official hails incomparable improvement in air quality as virus hits industry

Skies in the national capital have been showing an unprecedented -- yet fantastic -- side-effect amid the nationwide coronavirus-enforced lockdown. They have turned blue and, perhaps, breathable.

The nationwide lockdown has&nbsp;enforced restrictions and self-quarantine measures, which reduced emissions from transportation and industries. To this end, the latest air quality index (AQI) says Delhi has shown 49 per cent reduction in pollution.

The capital city has witnessed 87.9 per cent decline in nitrogen oxide, whose main contributor is transport. Due to the lockdown, a study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi stated, "Delhi observed the maximum reduction of 49 per cent in AQI. This reduction in AQI was also associated with a change in dominant pollutants in many cities."

AQI captures various air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and so on.

According to the study, the country has witnessed 43, 31, 10, and 18 per cent decreases in PM 2.5, PM 10, CO, and NO2 levels during the lockdown period compared to previous years.&nbsp;

In Delhi, the country's most polluted city, transport contributes 41 per cent to pollution, industry 18.61 per cent, power 4.92 per cent and residential emissions 2.96 per cent.

A slight increase in sulphur dioxide concentrations was, however, observed during this period compared to the previous year. Ozone also increased by 10 per cent as compared to the last three years.

Additionally, according to the Central government's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, all sources of pollution have decreased during the lockdown, other than bio-fuel emissions.

Also, India's carbon dioxide emissions have also fallen for the first time in four decades, according to a study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Skies in the national capital have been showing an unprecedented -- yet fantastic -- side-effect amid the nationwide coronavirus-enforced lockdown. They have turned blue and, perhaps, breathable.

Skies in the national capital have been showing an unprecedented -- yet fantastic -- side-effect amid the nationwide coronavirus-enforced lockdown. They have turned blue and, perhaps, breathable. The nationwide lockdown has enforced restrictions and self-quarantine measures, which reduced emissions from transportation and industries. To this end, the latest air quality index (AQI) says Delhi has shown 49 per cent reduction in pollution. The capital city has witnessed 87.9 per cent decline in nitrogen oxide, whose main contributor is transport. Due to the lockdown, a study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi stated, "Delhi observed the maximum reduction of 49 per cent in AQI. This reduction in AQI was also associated with a change in dominant pollutants in many cities." AQI captures various air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and so on. According to the study, the country has witnessed 43, 31, 10, and 18 per cent decreases in PM 2.5, PM 10, CO, and NO2 levels during the lockdown period compared to previous years. In Delhi, the country's most polluted city, transport contributes 41 per cent to pollution, industry 18.61 per cent, power 4.92 per cent and residential emissions 2.96 per cent. A slight increase in sulphur dioxide concentrations was, however, observed during this period compared to the previous year. Ozone also increased by 10 per cent as compared to the last three years. Additionally, according to the Central government's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, all sources of pollution have decreased during the lockdown, other than bio-fuel emissions. Also, India's carbon dioxide emissions have also fallen for the first time in four decades, according to a study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Delhi's air pollution drops by 49% owing to coronavirus-induced lockdown

Air pollution over northern India has plummeted to a 20-year-low for this time of the year, according to satellite data published by US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The US space agency's satellite sensors observed aerosol levels at a 20-year low post the countrywide lockdown, implemented to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"We knew we would see changes in atmospheric composition in many places during the lockdown," said Pawan Gupta, a Universities Space Research Association (USRA) scientist at NASA''s Marshall Space Flight Center. "But I have never seen aerosol values so low in the Indo-Gangetic Plain at this time of year," added Mr Gupta.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells tweeted, "These images from NASA were taken each spring starting in 2016 and show a 20-year low in airborne particle levels over India. When India and the world are ready to work and travel again, let's not forget that collaborative action can result in cleaner air."

The data published with maps show aerosol optical depth (AOD) in 2020 compared to the average for 2016-2019. Aerosol optical depth is a measure of how light is absorbed or reflected by airborne particles as it travels through the atmosphere.

If aerosols are concentrated near the surface, an optical depth of 1 or above indicates very hazy conditions. An optical depth, or thickness, of less than 0.1 over the entire atmospheric vertical column is considered "clean." The data were retrieved by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Terra satellite.

In the first few days of the lockdown, it was difficult to observe a change in the pollution signature. "We saw an aerosol decrease in the first week of the shutdown, but that was due to a combination of rain and the lockdown," said Mr Gupta.

Around March 27, heavy rain poured over vast areas of northern India and helped clear the air of aerosols. Aerosol concentrations usually increase again after such heavy precipitation.

"After the rainfall, I was really impressed that aerosol levels did not go up and return to normal. We saw a gradual decrease and things have been staying at the level we might expect without anthropogenic emissions," Mr Gupta said.

On March 25, the Indian government placed its 1.3 billion citizens under a strict lockdown to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The countrywide mandate decreased activity at factories and severely reduced car, bus, truck and aeroplane traffic. Every year, aerosols from anthropogenic (human-made) sources contribute to unhealthy levels of air pollution in many Indian cities.

Aerosols are tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air that reduce visibility and can damage the human lungs and heart.

In southern India though, the story is a little hazier. Satellite data show aerosol levels have not yet decreased to the same extent. In fact, levels seem to be slightly higher than in the past four years. The reasons are unclear but could be related to recent weather patterns, agricultural fires, winds or other factors.

"This a model scientific experiment," Robert Levy, program leader for NASA's MODIS aerosol products, said about the lockdown and its effects on pollution.

"We have a unique opportunity to learn how the atmosphere reacts to sharp and sudden reductions in emissions from certain sectors. This can help us separate how natural and human sources of aerosols affect the atmosphere," Mr Levy added.

Air pollution over northern India has plummeted to a 20-year-low for this time of the year, according to satellite data published by US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Air pollution over northern India has plummeted to a 20-year-low for this time of the year, according to satellite data published by US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The US space agency's satellite sensors observed aerosol levels at a 20-year low post the countrywide lockdown, implemented to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. "We knew we would see changes in atmospheric composition in many places during the lockdown," said Pawan Gupta, a Universities Space Research Association (USRA) scientist at NASA''s Marshall Space Flight Center. "But I have never seen aerosol values so low in the Indo-Gangetic Plain at this time of year," added Mr Gupta. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells tweeted, "These images from NASA were taken each spring starting in 2016 and show a 20-year low in airborne particle levels over India. When India and the world are ready to work and travel again, let's not forget that collaborative action can result in cleaner air." The data published with maps show aerosol optical depth (AOD) in 2020 compared to the average for 2016-2019. Aerosol optical depth is a measure of how light is absorbed or reflected by airborne particles as it travels through the atmosphere. If aerosols are concentrated near the surface, an optical depth of 1 or above indicates very hazy conditions. An optical depth, or thickness, of less than 0.1 over the entire atmospheric vertical column is considered "clean." The data were retrieved by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Terra satellite. In the first few days of the lockdown, it was difficult to observe a change in the pollution signature. "We saw an aerosol decrease in the first week of the shutdown, but that was due to a combination of rain and the lockdown," said Mr Gupta. Around March 27, heavy rain poured over vast areas of northern India and helped clear the air of aerosols. Aerosol concentrations usually increase again after such heavy precipitation. "After the rainfall, I was really impressed that aerosol levels did not go up and return to normal. We saw a gradual decrease and things have been staying at the level we might expect without anthropogenic emissions," Mr Gupta said. On March 25, the Indian government placed its 1.3 billion citizens under a strict lockdown to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The countrywide mandate decreased activity at factories and severely reduced car, bus, truck and aeroplane traffic. Every year, aerosols from anthropogenic (human-made) sources contribute to unhealthy levels of air pollution in many Indian cities. Aerosols are tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air that reduce visibility and can damage the human lungs and heart. In southern India though, the story is a little hazier. Satellite data show aerosol levels have not yet decreased to the same extent. In fact, levels seem to be slightly higher than in the past four years. The reasons are unclear but could be related to recent weather patterns, agricultural fires, winds or other factors. "This a model scientific experiment," Robert Levy, program leader for NASA's MODIS aerosol products, said about the lockdown and its effects on pollution. "We have a unique opportunity to learn how the atmosphere reacts to sharp and sudden reductions in emissions from certain sectors. This can help us separate how natural and human sources of aerosols affect the atmosphere," Mr Levy added.

Air pollution over North India plummets to 20-year-low amid lockdown, says NASA

The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana </a>face social stigma and hostility.

According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''.

They believe that cyclists are threatened not to ride bicycles on the streets of the city because motor vehicles drivers believe that they "own"&nbsp;the road as they pay road tax.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/does-offsetting-carbon-emissions-count-as-going-green-264831">Does offsetting carbon emissions count as going green?</a>

Societal prestige around cars is deep-rooted and riding a bicycle is considered archaic and “undignified” in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana</a>.

The hostile attitude of local drivers towards cyclists emanates from a deep-seated belief that cycling is for the poor.

The preference for motor vehicles has had an adverse impact on the country as the number of cars registered in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana </a>has doubled over the past decade.

Watch: The Absa Cape Epic: These cyclists endure one of the toughest race on this planet

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-absa-cape-epic-these-cyclists-endure-one-of-the-toughest-race-on-this-planet-2757/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Two-thirds of these vehicles are listed in Gaborone, and the majority were second-hand imports.&nbsp;A vast majority of these imported vehicles do not meet the emission standards in the countries of their origin and neither checked for their emissions nor properly maintained.

The burgeoning low-efficiency cars are contributing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-pollution-costs-india-150-billion-a-year-report-280588">air pollution</a> in Gaborone.&nbsp;As a result, it is ranked among the worst cities for air quality in the world.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/solar-panels-vegan-diets-no-flights-meet-americas-climate-revolutionaries-250555#nasa-climate-scientist-peter-kalmus-250543">Solar panels, vegan diets, no flights: Meet America's climate revolutionaries</a>

Many residents of the city believe that cycling should be encouraged in the city as an affordable, flexible and emissions-free method of transport.

However, the biggest hurdle in the way of cycling returning as a popular mode of transport is the lack of proper infrastructure good bicycle lanes, showers at workplaces, and clothing-changing facilities, among others.

To change the attitude of people towards cycling, youngsters are opening cycle shops and are riding bicycles to travel from place to another.

They are striving to contribute to the fight against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bearing-brunt-of-climate-change-240729">climate change</a> because bicycles are eco-friendly.&nbsp;With time, they aim to erode the social stigma around cycling in Gaborone.

The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana face social stigma and hostility. According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''.

The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana face social stigma and hostility. According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''. They believe that cyclists are threatened not to ride bicycles on the streets of the city because motor vehicles drivers believe that they "own" the road as they pay road tax. Also see: Does offsetting carbon emissions count as going green? Societal prestige around cars is deep-rooted and riding a bicycle is considered archaic and “undignified” in Botswana. The hostile attitude of local drivers towards cyclists emanates from a deep-seated belief that cycling is for the poor. The preference for motor vehicles has had an adverse impact on the country as the number of cars registered in Botswana has doubled over the past decade. Watch: The Absa Cape Epic: These cyclists endure one of the toughest race on this planet Two-thirds of these vehicles are listed in Gaborone, and the majority were second-hand imports. A vast majority of these imported vehicles do not meet the emission standards in the countries of their origin and neither checked for their emissions nor properly maintained. The burgeoning low-efficiency cars are contributing to air pollution in Gaborone. As a result, it is ranked among the worst cities for air quality in the world. Also see: Solar panels, vegan diets, no flights: Meet America's climate revolutionaries Many residents of the city believe that cycling should be encouraged in the city as an affordable, flexible and emissions-free method of transport. However, the biggest hurdle in the way of cycling returning as a popular mode of transport is the lack of proper infrastructure good bicycle lanes, showers at workplaces, and clothing-changing facilities, among others. To change the attitude of people towards cycling, youngsters are opening cycle shops and are riding bicycles to travel from place to another. They are striving to contribute to the fight against climate change because bicycles are eco-friendly. With time, they aim to erode the social stigma around cycling in Gaborone.

The city where cyclists are unwelcome

air-pollution

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