Heavy pollution-fuelled smog has forced authorities in Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, including the eastern city of Lahore, to close markets and schools. The government in the province announced a four-day public holiday in several districts to mitigate the impact of smog.

<h2>What is&nbsp;Punjab government’s plan?</h2>

The provincial government has announced a public holiday from November 9 to 12.&nbsp;

“The government has decided to close down markets for four days from 9 to 12 November in the major cities of Punjab because of smog on the advisory of the health department,” said Amir Mir, the information minister for Punjab.&nbsp;

According to a directive from the provincial government, schools, offices, restaurants, and businesses aside from priority services like pharmacies, hospitals and courts, would all close to limit residents’ movement outside.&nbsp;

The Pakistani province is home to more than 110 million people.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-its-not-entirely-stubble-burning-what-else-fueling-air-pollution-656447">New Delhi: It's not entirely stubble burning. What else is fueling air pollution?</a>

Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi told a press conference&nbsp;on Tuesday (Nov 7) that the public holiday will take effect in Lahore, Gujranwala and Hafizabad divisions of the province.&nbsp;

Marriage halls and bakeries will also be open, said Naqvi, according to PTI news agency.&nbsp;

<h2>Situation in Lahore</h2>

The provincial capital of Lahore has been among the most polluted cities and its air quality was the worst in the world on Wednesday (Nov 8), according to Swiss group IQAir.&nbsp;

The air quality index of the Pakistani province was at a “hazardous” 432, followed by India’s capital Delhi at 302.&nbsp;

The caretaker Pakistani CM has also reportedly attributed the spread of smog in Lahore and other parts of the province to the burning of the residues of crops in the Indian state of Punjab and requested caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to take action.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-govt-to-consider-scs-remarks-over-odd-even-rule-after-latter-calls-it-mere-optics-656170">Delhi govt to consider SC’s remarks over odd-even rule, after latter calls it ‘mere optics’</a>

Kakar assured the Punjab government of taking up the smog issue with India. This comes as growing industrialisation in South Asia in recent decades has led to more pollutants from factories, construction activity and vehicles. The issue becomes severe in cooler autumn and winter months.&nbsp;

Heavy smog blanketed Lahore this week leading to low visibility and prompting residents to complain of a threat to their health. “The weather is such that everyone has a bad throat and bad eyes, and everyone's health is getting affected,” said Mohammad Salahuddin, a private guard in Lahore, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Heavy pollution-fuelled smog has forced authorities in Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, including the eastern city of Lahore, to close markets and schools.

Heavy pollution-fuelled smog has forced authorities in Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, including the eastern city of Lahore, to close markets and schools. The government in the province announced a four-day public holiday in several districts to mitigate the impact of smog. What is Punjab government’s plan? The provincial government has announced a public holiday from November 9 to 12. “The government has decided to close down markets for four days from 9 to 12 November in the major cities of Punjab because of smog on the advisory of the health department,” said Amir Mir, the information minister for Punjab. According to a directive from the provincial government, schools, offices, restaurants, and businesses aside from priority services like pharmacies, hospitals and courts, would all close to limit residents’ movement outside. The Pakistani province is home to more than 110 million people. ALSO READ | New Delhi: It's not entirely stubble burning. What else is fueling air pollution? Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi told a press conference on Tuesday (Nov 7) that the public holiday will take effect in Lahore, Gujranwala and Hafizabad divisions of the province. Marriage halls and bakeries will also be open, said Naqvi, according to PTI news agency. Situation in Lahore The provincial capital of Lahore has been among the most polluted cities and its air quality was the worst in the world on Wednesday (Nov 8), according to Swiss group IQAir. The air quality index of the Pakistani province was at a “hazardous” 432, followed by India’s capital Delhi at 302. The caretaker Pakistani CM has also reportedly attributed the spread of smog in Lahore and other parts of the province to the burning of the residues of crops in the Indian state of Punjab and requested caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to take action. ALSO READ | Delhi govt to consider SC’s remarks over odd-even rule, after latter calls it ‘mere optics’ Kakar assured the Punjab government of taking up the smog issue with India. This comes as growing industrialisation in South Asia in recent decades has led to more pollutants from factories, construction activity and vehicles. The issue becomes severe in cooler autumn and winter months. Heavy smog blanketed Lahore this week leading to low visibility and prompting residents to complain of a threat to their health. “The weather is such that everyone has a bad throat and bad eyes, and everyone's health is getting affected,” said Mohammad Salahuddin, a private guard in Lahore, as quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Punjab govt declares four-day holiday due to pollution-fuelled smog; schools, markets closed

Indian capital Delhi is grappling with a severe deterioration in air quality reaching a hazardous level, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 616. The poor air is attributed mainly to minimal wind speed and the ongoing burning of crop residues in Punjab. The Mundka area in Delhi registered the highest AQI at 616, marking a dangerous level of air pollution.

Air Quality Index (AQI) ratings range from "good" (0-50), "satisfactory" (51-100), "moderate" (101-200), "poor" (201-300), "very poor" (301-400), to "severe" (401-500).

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The area has been marked as maroon, symbolising hazardous air quality, and is prominently visible throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).&nbsp;

<h2>Delhi air quality continue to worsen</h2>

For the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday (Nov 1), Delhi's air quality remained in the "very poor" category, with maximum temperature at 32.3 degrees Celsius. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was 357 at 7 pm, based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

On Thursday, the general Air Quality Index (AQI) was measured at 351, indicating very poor air quality. Certain locations like Mundka (420), Punjabi Bagh (416), Bawana (401) and Anand Vihar (413), experienced severe air quality.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-among-28-countries-to-sign-first-international-declaration-to-address-risks-of-ai-654120">India among 28 countries to sign first international declaration to address risks of AI</a>

On Wednesday also, the AQI in the same area had shown higher levels in various parts of the capital including Mundka (417), Wazirpur (409),&nbsp;Punjabi Bagh (408) and Anand Vihar (416). Additionally, Bawana and Rohini reported short periods of severe air quality on Wednesday afternoon.

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, had previously unveiled a comprehensive 15-point winter action plan aimed at addressing pollution stemming from vehicles, biomass burning, and other sources. This winter action plan is currently being executed step by step on the ground to mitigate pollution levels in the national capital.

In response to the worsening air quality, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) announced an allocation of Rs 2 million per zone for implementing measures to battle against the air pollution in the city. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital Delhi is grappling with a severe deterioration in air quality reaching a hazardous level, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 616. The poor air is attributed mainly to minimal wind speed and the ongoing burning of crop residues in Punjab.

Indian capital Delhi is grappling with a severe deterioration in air quality reaching a hazardous level, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 616. The poor air is attributed mainly to minimal wind speed and the ongoing burning of crop residues in Punjab. The Mundka area in Delhi registered the highest AQI at 616, marking a dangerous level of air pollution. Air Quality Index (AQI) ratings range from "good" (0-50), "satisfactory" (51-100), "moderate" (101-200), "poor" (201-300), "very poor" (301-400), to "severe" (401-500). Also Read | Three dead, 18 missing after boat turns turtle in India’s Bihar The area has been marked as maroon, symbolising hazardous air quality, and is prominently visible throughout the National Capital Region (NCR). Delhi air quality continue to worsen For the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday (Nov 1), Delhi's air quality remained in the "very poor" category, with maximum temperature at 32.3 degrees Celsius. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was 357 at 7 pm, based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board. On Thursday, the general Air Quality Index (AQI) was measured at 351, indicating very poor air quality. Certain locations like Mundka (420), Punjabi Bagh (416), Bawana (401) and Anand Vihar (413), experienced severe air quality. Also Read | India among 28 countries to sign first international declaration to address risks of AI On Wednesday also, the AQI in the same area had shown higher levels in various parts of the capital including Mundka (417), Wazirpur (409), Punjabi Bagh (408) and Anand Vihar (416). Additionally, Bawana and Rohini reported short periods of severe air quality on Wednesday afternoon. Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, had previously unveiled a comprehensive 15-point winter action plan aimed at addressing pollution stemming from vehicles, biomass burning, and other sources. This winter action plan is currently being executed step by step on the ground to mitigate pollution levels in the national capital. In response to the worsening air quality, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) announced an allocation of Rs 2 million per zone for implementing measures to battle against the air pollution in the city. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi faces hazardous air quality crisis as AQI crashes to 616

The city council of Amsterdam is taking drastic measures to curb pollution by limiting the number of tourists that arrive annually in the party city.&nbsp;

In the latest move in line with the city’s sustainable ambitions, Amsterdam has decided to ban cruise ships from the city’s centre.

The move implies that the cruise terminal on the IJ River near the Amsterdam main train station will be shut down.

“Polluting cruise ships are not in line with the sustainable ambitions of our city," the centre-right party D66 said in a statement. D66 calls the shots in Amsterdam council, along with democrats and environmentalists.&nbsp;

<h2>Amsterdam’s tourism problem</h2>

The city attracts a staggering 20 million tourists annually, triggering environmental concerns and demands to clamp down on tourism.

Now, a ban on cruise ships is expected to divert visitors away from the Dutch capital, a move passed by a large majority in the council.

The city earlier also ran a campaign aimed at encouraging tourists to stay away from Amsterdam.

<h2>“Stay Away” campaign</h2>

Amsterdam ran a ‘Stay Away’ campaign in March to discourage tourists planning drug and alcohol parties in the city.

It specifically warned British people of the “consequences of antisocial behaviour and excessive drug and alcohol abuse”.

Watch:&nbsp;Netherlands and Norway extend support to Ukraine&nbsp;

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The warning came amidst reports of increasing rowdy behaviour in the city’s red-light area where sex workers operate.

<h2>Flight number to be reduced</h2>

Amsterdam is also looking forward to reducing the number of flights at its Schiphol airport to curb air as well as noise pollution in the city.

The government is set to reduce flight numbers by 8 per cent to 460,000 a year at one of Europe's busiest hubs. 
The aviation industry finds itself under increasing scrutiny due to its environmental footprint.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/netherlands-to-ban-mobile-devices-in-classrooms-from-next-year-612417">Also read:&nbsp;Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year</a>

Senior executives have been closely monitoring the Dutch government's recent legislative actions aimed at curbing flying, raising concerns that this could potentially signal the beginning of a broader movement to constrain flight growth in Europe, despite the sector's strong recovery from the pandemic.

According to Financial Times, Schiphol is the EU’s third biggest airport and served 53mn passengers in 2022, connecting 313 destinations.

But the government is under pressure to reduce nitrate emissions and pollution in the densely-packed country.

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The city council of Amsterdam is taking drastic measures to curb pollution by limiting the number of tourists that arrive annually in the party city. In the latest move in line with the city’s sustainable ambitions, Amsterdam has decided to ban cruise ships from the city’s centre.

The city council of Amsterdam is taking drastic measures to curb pollution by limiting the number of tourists that arrive annually in the party city. In the latest move in line with the city’s sustainable ambitions, Amsterdam has decided to ban cruise ships from the city’s centre. The move implies that the cruise terminal on the IJ River near the Amsterdam main train station will be shut down. “Polluting cruise ships are not in line with the sustainable ambitions of our city," the centre-right party D66 said in a statement. D66 calls the shots in Amsterdam council, along with democrats and environmentalists. Amsterdam’s tourism problem The city attracts a staggering 20 million tourists annually, triggering environmental concerns and demands to clamp down on tourism. Now, a ban on cruise ships is expected to divert visitors away from the Dutch capital, a move passed by a large majority in the council. The city earlier also ran a campaign aimed at encouraging tourists to stay away from Amsterdam. “Stay Away” campaign Amsterdam ran a ‘Stay Away’ campaign in March to discourage tourists planning drug and alcohol parties in the city. It specifically warned British people of the “consequences of antisocial behaviour and excessive drug and alcohol abuse”. Watch: Netherlands and Norway extend support to Ukraine × The warning came amidst reports of increasing rowdy behaviour in the city’s red-light area where sex workers operate. Flight number to be reduced Amsterdam is also looking forward to reducing the number of flights at its Schiphol airport to curb air as well as noise pollution in the city. The government is set to reduce flight numbers by 8 per cent to 460,000 a year at one of Europe's busiest hubs. The aviation industry finds itself under increasing scrutiny due to its environmental footprint. Also read: Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year Senior executives have been closely monitoring the Dutch government's recent legislative actions aimed at curbing flying, raising concerns that this could potentially signal the beginning of a broader movement to constrain flight growth in Europe, despite the sector's strong recovery from the pandemic. According to Financial Times, Schiphol is the EU’s third biggest airport and served 53mn passengers in 2022, connecting 313 destinations. But the government is under pressure to reduce nitrate emissions and pollution in the densely-packed country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Amsterdam bans cruise ships to limit tourists and curb pollution

More than half the world's top 100 most polluted cities are in India; check if your city made the list

Global coal power plant capacity under development declined in 2021, falling by 13 per cent compared to 2020, a survey from the Global Energy Monitor's (GEM) stated.

In its eighth annual survey, the GEM found that 34 countries have new coal plants under consideration, down from 41 countries in January 2021.

The report finds that after rising in 2020 for the first time since 2015, the total coal power capacity under development declined from 525 gigawatts (GW) to 457 GW, a record low, last year.&nbsp;

China, South Korea and Japan notably pledged to stop funding new coal plants in other countries.

However, China continued to lead all countries in the domestic development of new coal plants, commissioning more coal capacity than the rest of the world combined, followed by India, the report noted.

The authors of the report concluded that “coal’s last gasp is not yet in sight”, despite countries agreeing at the COP26 UN climate summit last November to a “phase down” instead of “phase out” coal.

Wach |&nbsp;Fresh Coal Crisis Looms in India, fuel stockpiles below target levels

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&nbsp;“The coal plant pipeline is shrinking, but there is simply no carbon budget left to be building new coal plants. We need to stop now. The latest IPCC report’s directive for a fighting chance at a livable climate is clear – stop building new coal plants and retire existing ones in the developed world by 2030, and the rest of the world soon after,” Flora Champenois of Global Energy Monitor, one of the report’s authors, said.

He said coal power might take longer to peak because a key aspect of China's carbon neutrality plan was to replace direct fossil fuel use in industry, transport, buildings and other sectors with electricity.\

The report comes on the back of this month's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report which showed that there is no carbon budget left to accommodate new coal plants, and that coal use needs to fall by 75 per cent by 2030 (from 2019 levels) to limit global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius in line with the Paris Agreement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Global coal power plant capacity under development declined in 2021, falling by 13 per cent compared to 2020, a survey from the Global Energy Monitor's (GEM) stated.

Global coal power plant capacity under development declined in 2021, falling by 13 per cent compared to 2020, a survey from the Global Energy Monitor's (GEM) stated. In its eighth annual survey, the GEM found that 34 countries have new coal plants under consideration, down from 41 countries in January 2021. The report finds that after rising in 2020 for the first time since 2015, the total coal power capacity under development declined from 525 gigawatts (GW) to 457 GW, a record low, last year. China, South Korea and Japan notably pledged to stop funding new coal plants in other countries. However, China continued to lead all countries in the domestic development of new coal plants, commissioning more coal capacity than the rest of the world combined, followed by India, the report noted. The authors of the report concluded that “coal’s last gasp is not yet in sight”, despite countries agreeing at the COP26 UN climate summit last November to a “phase down” instead of “phase out” coal. Wach | Fresh Coal Crisis Looms in India, fuel stockpiles below target levels “The coal plant pipeline is shrinking, but there is simply no carbon budget left to be building new coal plants. We need to stop now. The latest IPCC report’s directive for a fighting chance at a livable climate is clear – stop building new coal plants and retire existing ones in the developed world by 2030, and the rest of the world soon after,” Flora Champenois of Global Energy Monitor, one of the report’s authors, said. He said coal power might take longer to peak because a key aspect of China's carbon neutrality plan was to replace direct fossil fuel use in industry, transport, buildings and other sectors with electricity.\ The report comes on the back of this month's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report which showed that there is no carbon budget left to accommodate new coal plants, and that coal use needs to fall by 75 per cent by 2030 (from 2019 levels) to limit global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius in line with the Paris Agreement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Global coal power plant capacity declined in 2021; China still leads, India at second: Report

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results.

He also said that the concentration of PM2.5 has reduced from 150 micrograms per cubic metre to 100 ?g/m? and that of PM10 has dipped from 300 ?g/m? to 150 ?g/m? in the national capital since 2014 due to the efforts made in the last few years.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles which penetrate deep into the body and fuel inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including a weak immune system.

"This is the first such smog tower in the country. It's a new technology. We have imported it from the US. The structure will suck polluted air from above and release clean air from below. It will purify 1,000 cubic metres of air per second," Kejriwal told reporters.

Since it's a new technology, it is being implemented on an experimental basis. Tata Projects Limited (TPL) built the smog tower with technical support from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi, which will analyse its data. NBCC India Ltd. Is the project management consultant, he said.

"The experts will analyse the functioning of the smog tower and tell us if it is effective. If it is successful, many such smog towers can be installed across Delhi. If not, we will work on some other technology... I think it will prove to be a milestone," he added.

"Data analysis will start immediately. The initial trends will be available within a month... I am also excited to know if we succeeded or not," the chief minister said.

The over 24-metre-tall structure will help improve air quality in a radius of around 1 km, according to officials.

The Delhi cabinet had approved the smog tower project in October last year.

A two-year pilot study will ascertain the effectiveness of the smog tower. A control room has been set up at the site to monitor its operations, an official said.

Another 25-metre-tall smog tower, built by the central government at Anand Vihar, is expected to become operational by August 31.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is the nodal agency for the smog tower at Connaught Place, while the Central Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency for the one at Anand Vihar.

The two towers will have 1,200 air filters each developed by experts at the University of Minnesota in the United States, which also helped design a 100-metre smog tower in Xian, China.

The smog towers, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore each, are estimated to reduce the concentration of PM2.5 up to 70 per cent within a one-km radius.

The Supreme Court had in January last year directed the central government to construct a smog tower to reduce pollution at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another such structure at Connaught Place in three months.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results. He also said that the concentration of PM2.5 has reduced from 150 micrograms per cubic metre to 100 ?g/m? and that of PM10 has dipped from 300 ?g/m? to 150 ?g/m? in the national capital since 2014 due to the efforts made in the last few years. PM2.5 refers to fine particles which penetrate deep into the body and fuel inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including a weak immune system. "This is the first such smog tower in the country. It's a new technology. We have imported it from the US. The structure will suck polluted air from above and release clean air from below. It will purify 1,000 cubic metres of air per second," Kejriwal told reporters. Since it's a new technology, it is being implemented on an experimental basis. Tata Projects Limited (TPL) built the smog tower with technical support from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi, which will analyse its data. NBCC India Ltd. Is the project management consultant, he said. "The experts will analyse the functioning of the smog tower and tell us if it is effective. If it is successful, many such smog towers can be installed across Delhi. If not, we will work on some other technology... I think it will prove to be a milestone," he added. "Data analysis will start immediately. The initial trends will be available within a month... I am also excited to know if we succeeded or not," the chief minister said. The over 24-metre-tall structure will help improve air quality in a radius of around 1 km, according to officials. The Delhi cabinet had approved the smog tower project in October last year. A two-year pilot study will ascertain the effectiveness of the smog tower. A control room has been set up at the site to monitor its operations, an official said. Another 25-metre-tall smog tower, built by the central government at Anand Vihar, is expected to become operational by August 31. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is the nodal agency for the smog tower at Connaught Place, while the Central Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency for the one at Anand Vihar. The two towers will have 1,200 air filters each developed by experts at the University of Minnesota in the United States, which also helped design a 100-metre smog tower in Xian, China. The smog towers, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore each, are estimated to reduce the concentration of PM2.5 up to 70 per cent within a one-km radius. The Supreme Court had in January last year directed the central government to construct a smog tower to reduce pollution at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another such structure at Connaught Place in three months.

India's first smog tower inaugurated in New Delhi's Connaught Place

Kejriwal inaugurates India's first smog tower in Delhi

Aiming at promoting energy-efficient and environment-friendly hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles in the country, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Wednesday notified the standards for safety evaluation of such vehicles through an amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

The Ministry said the standards for the testing of such vehicles, which are at par with the international standards, have been made available with the prospective manufacturers and suppliers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-proud-to-endorse-us-initiative-on-joint-statement-on-universal-declaration-of-human-rights-329826">Also read:India 'proud' to endorse US initiative on joint statement on Universal Declaration of Human Rights&nbsp;</a>

According to the draft rules, the motor vehicles of Category M and Category N, running on compressed gaseous hydrogen fuel cell, shall be in accordance with AIS 157:2020, as amended from time to time, till the corresponding Bureau of Indian Standard Act, 2016, specification is notified.

Also, the hydrogen fuel specification for fuel cell vehicles will be in accordance with ISO 14687.

Earlier, gazetted copies of the draft rules were made available to the public on July 10, but no objections or suggestions were received in this respect.&nbsp;

Aiming at promoting energy-efficient and environment-friendly hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles in the country, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Wednesday notified the standards for safety evaluation of such vehicles through an amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Aiming at promoting energy-efficient and environment-friendly hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles in the country, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Wednesday notified the standards for safety evaluation of such vehicles through an amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The Ministry said the standards for the testing of such vehicles, which are at par with the international standards, have been made available with the prospective manufacturers and suppliers. Also read:India 'proud' to endorse US initiative on joint statement on Universal Declaration of Human Rights According to the draft rules, the motor vehicles of Category M and Category N, running on compressed gaseous hydrogen fuel cell, shall be in accordance with AIS 157:2020, as amended from time to time, till the corresponding Bureau of Indian Standard Act, 2016, specification is notified. Also, the hydrogen fuel specification for fuel cell vehicles will be in accordance with ISO 14687. Earlier, gazetted copies of the draft rules were made available to the public on July 10, but no objections or suggestions were received in this respect.

Government notifies new evaluation standards for hydrogen cell vehicles

The global recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be worse than in 2009, but early signs of a recovery are appearing in China, including renewed pollution, IMF economists said Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-136-new-deaths-as-authorities-say-gradual-downtrend-in-coronvirus-cases-290927" hreflang="en">Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases</a>

"The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the world into a recession. For 2020 it will be worse than the global financial crisis," the authors, including International Monetary Fund chief economist Gita Gopinath, said in a blog post.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-in-good-spirits-after-being-hospitalised-due-to-covid-19-290908" hreflang="en">British PM Boris Johnson in 'good spirits' after being hospitalised due to COVID-19</a>

"The economic damage is mounting across all countries, tracking the sharp rise in new infections and containment measures put in place by governments."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-fewer-than-50-coronavirus-cases-who-lauds-nations-response-290895" hreflang="en">South Korea reports fewer than 50 coronavirus cases; WHO lauds nation's response</a>

China, where the virus appeared in mid-December, was the first hit by the full force of the economic impact as authorities locked down whole regions to try to contain the spread.

The world's second largest economy, China saw a modest recovery in a key manufacturing index in March, and satellite images show increasing concentrations of nitrogen dioxide last month, indicating a pickup in industrial activity and transportation, the blog said.

"The recovery in China, albeit limited, is encouraging, suggesting that containment measures can succeed in controlling the epidemic and pave the way for a resumption of economic activity," the authors wrote.&nbsp;

However, they warned of "huge uncertainty about the future path of the pandemic and a resurgence of its spread in China and other countries cannot be ruled out."

There were more than 82,660 cases in China and 3,335 dead, according to Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, there are now 1.3 million confirmed cases.

The global recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be worse than in 2009, but early signs of a recovery are appearing in China, including renewed pollution, IMF economists said Monday.

The global recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be worse than in 2009, but early signs of a recovery are appearing in China, including renewed pollution, IMF economists said Monday. Also read: Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases "The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the world into a recession. For 2020 it will be worse than the global financial crisis," the authors, including International Monetary Fund chief economist Gita Gopinath, said in a blog post. Also read: British PM Boris Johnson in 'good spirits' after being hospitalised due to COVID-19 "The economic damage is mounting across all countries, tracking the sharp rise in new infections and containment measures put in place by governments." Also read: South Korea reports fewer than 50 coronavirus cases; WHO lauds nation's response China, where the virus appeared in mid-December, was the first hit by the full force of the economic impact as authorities locked down whole regions to try to contain the spread. The world's second largest economy, China saw a modest recovery in a key manufacturing index in March, and satellite images show increasing concentrations of nitrogen dioxide last month, indicating a pickup in industrial activity and transportation, the blog said. "The recovery in China, albeit limited, is encouraging, suggesting that containment measures can succeed in controlling the epidemic and pave the way for a resumption of economic activity," the authors wrote. However, they warned of "huge uncertainty about the future path of the pandemic and a resurgence of its spread in China and other countries cannot be ruled out." There were more than 82,660 cases in China and 3,335 dead, according to Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, there are now 1.3 million confirmed cases.

Pollution data shows early signs of China recovery: IMF

Extinction Rebellion climate activists were arrested after gluing themselves to a roadblock they had erected in central London on Monday (December 9).

Activists glue hands to roadblock to highlight air pollution in London

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