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2024 GLOBAL NATURE CONSERVATION INDEX

Context: India has been labelled among the worst performers in the 2024 Global Nature Conservation Index. Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) It is an index and a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts in various countries. It examines various factors like protected area coverage, species at risk, conservation laws, and future trends. This 360-degree view of the index helps countries to find problems, track progress, and make informed decisions to protect our planet and promote sustainable development. It was launched and developed by the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev along with BioDB.com. Its objective is to aid governments, researchers, and organisations to identify and improve conservation policies. Indicators: The NCI is determined based on 25 key indicators and provides a straightforward look at biodiversity and conservation progress across 180 countries in the world. Markers: Its purpose is to assess conservation efforts globally using four markers: land management, threats to biodiversity, capacity and governance, and future trends in biodiversity loss. India’s Ranking in Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024. India has scored 45.5 out of 100 in the index. India has scored a Global Rank of 176th out of 180 countries. Worst Performers included India, Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178) and Micronesia (177). This makes India one of the worst performers. Reasons for India’s Low Rank Land Management Issues: Inefficient land use has been found to be the major issue with 53% of land converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural uses in India. Marine Conservation: In India, the report noted that the protected areas cover only 0.2 per cent of national waterways. There is a lack of adequate marine protection within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Biodiversity Threats: High levels of soil pollution, fertility loss, poor Nutrition nitrogen index of 0.77 due to high pesticide usage are posing threats to biodiversity. Biodiversity Threats in India Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The habitat loss and land fragmentation in India are driven by unsustainable agriculture, urbanisation, infrastructure development, and climate change among others. The report highlights that 23,300 square Kilometres of tree cover was lost between 2001 to 2019. Climate Change Impacts: Climate change is severely affecting sensitive ecosystems like alpine regions and coral reefs in India, especially in coastal regions. Species Decline: As per this report, 40% of marine species and 65% of terrestrial species located in Protected Areas of India have seen a decline. Overall there was a significant decline in marine species and terrestrial species accounting for 67.5% and 46.9% of their total populations. High Population Density: The doubling of the population of India since the late 1970s has strained the ecological resources in India. Illegal Wildlife Trade: In terms of illegal wildlife trade, India ranks 4th globally and the sales value is around 15 billion pounds annually. This calls for stronger enforcement and international cooperation to curb the wildlife trade. Sustainable development threats in India: In regard to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) are the areas where major challenges remain. Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI) NNI is the ratio of the actual nitrogen content in a crop to the minimum nitrogen which is required for maximum biomass production. It indicates whether the crop has the right proportion of nitrogen for its biomass. Sources: DOWNTOEARTH

Delhi gets slight relief from polluted air, thanks to wind

Delhi’s air quality improved slightly on Thursday, thanks to increased wind speed that helped disperse pollutants. The Air Quality Index (AQI), however, remained “very poor”. The 24-hour average AQI recorded at 4 pm was 306, against 364 a day earlier. Pollution levels in Delhi remained the highest in the country, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed. Out of 241 cities, only Delhi was in the “very poor” category on Thursday — the fourth consecutive day. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the timings of government offices in the Capital may be changed to curb pollution. Among the 13 pollution hotspots, Anand Vihar reported the worst AQI at 431. While the air was in the “severe” category in the early hours, it remained “very poor” throughout the day. Calm winds prevailed on Wednesday and Thursday night, but northerly winds picked up speed in the daytime. Reaching up to 8 kmph, the wind speed was favourable for improving air quality. According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, an average speed of at least 10 kmph is favourable for the dispersion of pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the improvement in air quality to stronger winds. “Not only did the air quality improve, but mist also cleared. This is due to strong winds of 5 to 10 knots speed,” said IMD scientist Krishna Mishra. Particulate Matter (PM) 10 was the prominent pollutant on Thursday — four times the prescribed standard. Even with the influx of northerlies, the pollution level did not increase because the contribution of stubble burning remained insignificant and the change in wind speed enabled the pollutants to disperse, said Anumita Roychowdury, Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment. Going by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) data on Wednesday, 57 cases of stubble burning were reported in Punjab, 15 in Haryana, 68 in Uttar Pradesh and none in Delhi. Between September 15 and October 23, as many as 3,137 cases were detected.

Celebrate Safely: Hidden dangers in Diwali sweets

As Diwali approaches, the excitement and anticipation for the cherished festival grow, leading to a surge in demand for traditional sweets and treats. However, this heightened consumer interest also leads to rising adulteration by vendors seeking to make a quick buck. As people prepare for the festivities, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the quality of the treats they purchase. With Diwali approaching, excitement is palpable as people across the country prepare for one of the most cherished festivals. This surge in anticipation has led to heightened demand for all kinds of products in markets, placing significant pressure on retailers and producers to meet consumer needs. But few products can match the demand for sweets in this period and as shop owners, sweet makers and other retailers strive to stock their shelves, the challenge of balancing quality with cost-effectiveness becomes increasingly difficult. In order to cater to this overwhelming demand while also maximising profits, numerous vendors have turned to adulterating ingredients with hazardous chemicals and substances and providing substandard products. This practice not only undermines the quality of traditional Diwali treats but also poses serious health risks to consumers. Consumers should be particularly vigilant about the quality of certain products while shopping for Diwali treats, as these items can often be heavily adulterated. Ingredients commonly used in sweets, such as milk, sugar, and various nuts, are at higher risk for contamination. Adulteration not only compromises the taste and authenticity of these festive treats but also poses serious health risks. Milk products like ghee, mawa, and khoya are often adulterated to enhance texture and increase quantity. Common adulterants include water, urea, caustic soda and even detergents, which are sometimes added to milk. Mawa, a key ingredient in many Indian sweets like barfi and gulab jamun, is particularly susceptible to adulteration with substances like starch, blotting paper, and even chalk. While it is nutritious, the presence of fake mawa in the market poses significant health risks. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regularly seizes large quantities of adulterated mawa, and reports indicate that this year, the problem persists. Such adulteration can lead to serious health issues, including stomach disorders, allergic reactions, psychological issues and potential effects on the nervous system. During Diwali, honey is often used during Puja, and is even added to sweets and other Diwali treats. However, pure honey is extremely tough to secure and is often priced at high values. Due to this situation, most of the honey that is available in markets today is adulterated to increase its quantity and shelf life. The substances used for purpose include molasses sugar, cheap syrups and water. Consuming honey that has been adulterated can cause severe health issues including increased blood sugar, high blood pressure, chronic diseases and in extreme cases blood related disorders and organ failures. A 2020 study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that 77 pc of honey samples tested were adulterated with sugar syrup. The study tested 13 brands of honey, including Dabur, Patanjali, Baidyanath, Zandu, Hitkari, and Apis Himalaya.

Farm Fires: North India's Choking Crisis | Can Government Curb The Blaze?

The issue of farm fires continues to plague North India, with stubble burning proving difficult to halt. Experts Dr. Rajbir Singh and Anumita Roy Choudhury discuss the complexities of the issue, the government's efforts to curb the fires, and the impact on air quality. Despite a reduction in the number of fires and increased access to machinery, the problem persists. The discussion also highlights the need for a better understanding of ground realities and the implementation of solutions.

Delhi burns 7,400 MT of waste daily, but GRAP has no clear norms for WTE plants

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) seems to have overlooked the city's waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, which so far have no separate, clear guidelines for any category under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The city has four functional WTE plants at Okhla, Narela, Tehkhand and Ghazipur. Of these, the one at Okhla is near residential areas. While GRAP measures give directions for power plants, industries, hot mix plants and brick kilns in Delhi and NCR, specific curbs or measures for WTE plants are missing. Currently, Delhi generates approximately 11,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) daily, of which about 7,400 metric tonnes go to WTE plants. Okhla generates 23MW, Narela 13MW, Ghazipur 25MW, and Tehkhand generates 25MW of power a day by burning solid waste. This is already affecting thousands of residents of Sukhdev Vihar and Jasola, prompting them to approach Supreme Court to oppose the Okhla plant's expansion. No official reply came from CAQM and Delhi govt on the issue. Sources in CAQM pointed out action point number 16, as mentioned under GRAP stage-I. It says: "Stringently enforce all pollution control regulations in industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants etc." Sources asserted that the "etc" in the action point pretty much covers all similar sources, including WTE plants. When asked if any flying squad from CAQM or any monitoring team from Delhi govt had ever visited any WTE plant to ensure if the emission standards are being complied with, no reply came. Sources in IITM's Decision Support System said that they were "not sure if the WTE plants are even included in the emission inventory of the city." "If they are included, then PM2.5 being emitted by these plants is be adding to the "others" category of the DSS. If not, then DSS must be detecting the emission and adjusting its contribution to other titled emissions, like burning, transport, etc. In both cases, we won't know the exact pollution they are causing," said an official, requesting anonymity. Experts pointed out that more clarity on GRAP measures on specific sources was required. "GRAP rules need to bring more clarity on the action on polluting industries, including WTE plants. All polluting industries need to be within its ambit, and there must be clarity on what actions must be clearly defined on the obligation of the WTE plants," said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment. Reports keep raising warnings on the plants. A report from CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) submitted to NGT in July pointed out that the incineration of the mixed garbage often has low calorific value and high moisture, which leads to toxic emissions like furans and dioxins impacting human health and environment. On Sept 18, Supreme Court asked CPCB to inspect the Okhla plant to assess if it has necessary pollution control measures in place. The order came after residents near the plant protested its proposed expansion. "It is unfortunate that WTEs are not included even under GRAP 2.... Sukhdev Vihar and Jasola are severely affected," says UK Bharadwaj, general secretary, RWA, Sukhdev Vihar.

State of Play: Unpacking the climate finance landscape

The success of the upcoming COP 29 in Baku will depend on countries agreeing on a new climate finance target (NCQG) for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. According to UNFCCC, climate finance refers to local, national or transnational financing—drawn from public, private, and alternative sources of financing—that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change. The volume of climate finance needs to increase significantly, while also addressing quality concerns. This webinar—the first in a series of four—aims to build awareness around climate finance, its size, and nature in the run up to the deliberations at COP 29 in November, particularly as it is viewed by the Global South. The speakers will dive into the current state of climate finance and explore the existing barriers to scaling climate finance. This will set the context for subsequent webinars on the new collective quantified goal on climate finance, governance, and different mechanisms for mobilizing climate finance. Agenda Welcome Setting the Context Runa Sarkar, Professor, IIM Calcutta Keynote Speaker Abhishek Acharya, Director, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Panel Discussion Dhruba Purakayastha, Director for Growth and Institutional Advancement, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) Dipak Dasgupta, Distinguished Fellow, The Energy and Resources Institute Vijay Mahajan, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies Sehr Raheja, Program Officer, Centre for Science and Environment

Delhi’s AQI ‘very poor’ for third day in a row, no respite for next six days

Delhi, for the third consecutive day, recorded air quality in the ‘very poor’ category, making it the most polluted city in the country on Wednesday. It reported a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 364 – up from Tuesday’s AQI of 327. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) forecast the AQI to be in the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories for the next six days. “Meteorological conditions are unfavourable for the effective dispersion of pollutants as calm winds prevail during (Tuesday) night,” it added. According to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute data, Wednesday saw 57 cases of stubble burning in Punjab, 15 in Haryana, 68 in Uttar Pradesh and none in Delhi. Since September 15, 1,638 cases of stubble burning have been reported in Punjab and 680 in Haryana, which is the lowest when compared to the same period since 2020, IARI data showed. Meanwhile, 808 cases of stubble burning were reported in Uttar Pradesh and 11 in Delhi – the highest so far since 2020 during this period. According to the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management in Delhi, 8% of the pollutants on Tuesday were the result of stubble burning. The data on Wednesday showed that the contribution of road dust and construction activities was around 3%. The transport sector remained the highest contributor at 13.5%. Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment said, “Spike in pollution even with low stubble burning shows the increasing impact of local and regional sources of pollutants in Delhi-NCR. With this being the festival season, the major cause of pollution is vehicle emissions due to traffic congestion.”

Local emissions adding fuel to fire: Why city still chokes on toxic smoke

Gurgaon: The city has been experiencing a steady rise in air pollution levels over the past week, with the average 24-hour air quality index (AQI) increasing from ‘moderate' to ‘poor'. The index was recorded at 247 on Wednesday, while it was 223 on the previous day. It has been in the poor category for the fourth consecutive day. Experts attributed this increase to changes in wind direction, low wind speed and emissions from burning of garbage and firewood, and traffic congestion and dust. The share of pollutants PM2.5 and PM10 has also gone up, as evidenced by data from Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). According to the Decision Support System by IITM, the share of farm fire in pollution level was below 8% on Oct 22. The HSPCB data from all three air quality monitoring stations in the city revealed that PM2.5 and PM10 levels steadily increased in the past seven days. For instance, the average of PM2.5 was 185µg/m3 on Oct 17, and it touched 227µg/m3 on Oct 23. Relatively larger pollutants — PM10 — were recorded at 112µg/m3 and rose to 220µg/m3 during the same time period. According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), surface winds with speed ranging from 4 kmph to 12 kmph are expected in the region for the next five days. The AQI is likely to deteriorate to "very poor" in the coming days as prevailing meteorological conditions and calm winds are unfavourable for effective dispersion of pollutants. "Burning of garbage, traffic congestion and broken roads are pushing the level of pollutants in the air. These get trapped in the atmosphere because of low temperature," said HSPCB regional officer (south) Vijay Chaudhary. Residents also pointed out that open burning of waste is another source despite the imposition of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for air pollution across NCR. "The garbage disposal system is not in place, so people tend to burn waste. Also, all major roads in the area are broken, which is leading to traffic congestion and road dust. These are major reasons that we are suffering," said Vishal Singh, a resident of Sector 85. Experts said smoke from burning waste and leaves releases pollutants that can embed themselves deep in lungs when inhaled. "Waste burning in the open releases PM2.5, PM10, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide. These make the air toxic," said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). A pollution department official said they are taking measures to ensure all GRAP norms are enforced. "We are closely monitoring hotspots for garbage burning and carrying out night patrols. According to GRAP rules, first-time offenders will be fined Rs 5,000, and violation for a second time will lead to a 20% hike in penalty. We are working to deal with open burning of garbage in the area, which is a big contributor to air pollution in the region. We are taking help from MCG in dealing with this problem," said a senior HSPCB official. Meanwhile, Delhi air quality deteriorated with many areas now facing severe pollution. The winds in the region were calmer and, therefore, did not efficiently dispersed pollutants. Besides, north-westerly winds also brought pollutants created by stubble burning in neighbouring states. There was an increase in local pollution sources too.The city's AQI on a scale of 0-500 was 367 at noon, which improved marginally to 364 by 4pm and to 361 by 8pm. While this indicated the air quality was in the ‘very poor' category, the air readings in Anand Vihar, Jahangir Puri, Dwarka, Vivek Vihar and Wazirpur fell to the ‘severe' category in the early afternoon, with Anand Vihar being the worst polluted, logging an AQI of 406 at noon and a fall to 433 by 8 pm.

BSNL Smartphones : BSNL Shakes Up Smartphone Market with Ultra-Affordable 5G Device

BSNL Smartphones : In a move that’s set to redefine the budget smartphone segment, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced its foray into the world of 5G-enabled devices with a groundbreaking offering. The state-owned telecom giant is poised to launch what could be the world’s most affordable 5G smartphone, potentially revolutionizing access to next-generation mobile technology for millions of Indians.Smartphone deals A New Era of Connectivity BSNL’s bold step into the smartphone arena comes at a crucial juncture in India’s digital transformation journey. With 5G networks rolling out across the country, there’s been a growing need for affordable devices that can harness this cutting-edge technology. BSNL’s upcoming smartphone aims to bridge this gap, bringing 5G capabilities to the masses at an unprecedented price point. Specs That Surprise Despite its budget-friendly nature, BSNL’s 5G smartphone doesn’t skimp on features. Early reports suggest a device that punches well above its weight class: Display: A compact yet crisp 5.4-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The 120Hz refresh rate promises smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, a feature typically reserved for more premium devices. Camera: In a move that’s sure to turn heads, BSNL has equipped the phone with a 100MP main camera. This high-resolution sensor could potentially deliver stunning detail in photos, rivaling cameras found in much pricier smartphones. Battery: A robust 5000mAh battery is said to power the device, promising all-day usage even with 5G connectivity. Fast charging capabilities are also on the cards, with support for 18W charging. Storage Options: Understanding diverse user needs, BSNL plans to offer the phone in three variants: 4GB RAM with 64GB internal storage 4GB RAM with 128GB internal storage 4GB RAM with 256GB internal storage 5G Connectivity: As its headline feature, the phone will support 5G networks, future-proofing it for the next era of mobile communications. Pricing: A Game-Changer Perhaps the most exciting aspect of BSNL’s upcoming smartphone is its rumored price tag. Industry insiders suggest that the device could hit the market at a jaw-dropping price range of ₹2,000 to ₹7,000, depending on the storage variant. If these estimates hold true, it would position BSNL’s offering as not just the cheapest 5G smartphone in India, but potentially the world. This aggressive pricing strategy could be a masterstroke, potentially bringing 5G technology within reach of a vast segment of the Indian population that has thus far been priced out of the 5G market. It aligns perfectly with BSNL’s long-standing reputation as a provider of accessible telecommunication services. Market Impact and Industry Reactions The announcement of BSNL’s ultra-affordable 5G smartphone has sent ripples through the Indian telecom and smartphone industries. Competitors are reportedly scrambling to reassess their strategies in the budget segment, with some analysts predicting a potential price war in the 5G smartphone market. Renowned tech analyst Rajiv Sharma comments, “BSNL’s move could be a watershed moment for 5G adoption in India. By making 5G-capable devices accessible to a broader demographic, we might see an acceleration in the development of 5G infrastructure and services across the country.” Consumer rights activist Priya Nair adds, “This is a win for the Indian consumer. Affordable 5G devices will democratize access to high-speed internet, potentially bridging the digital divide that has long plagued our society.” Challenges and Skepticism While the announcement has generated significant buzz, some industry watchers urge caution. Questions remain about how BSNL, traditionally a telecom service provider, will manage the complexities of smartphone manufacturing and distribution. Tech reviewer Amit Gupta notes, “The specs look impressive on paper, especially at this price point. However, the real test will be in the day-to-day performance and build quality of the device. BSNL will need to ensure they don’t cut corners in crucial areas just to meet a price point.” There are also concerns about after-sales service and software support, areas where established smartphone brands have a significant head start. BSNL will need to quickly ramp up its capabilities in these domains to ensure a smooth user experience. The Road Ahead BSNL has announced that it plans to launch the smartphone in April of next year, giving the company ample time to fine-tune the device and set up the necessary infrastructure for distribution and support. The success of this venture could have far-reaching implications for BSNL and the Indian telecom industry at large. A well-received product could rejuvenate BSNL’s brand image and potentially pave the way for more hardware offerings in the future. Moreover, it could accelerate 5G adoption in India, driving the development of new apps and services that leverage the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G networks. Potential Impact on Digital India Initiative The launch of an ultra-affordable 5G smartphone aligns perfectly with the government’s Digital India initiative. By making advanced mobile technology accessible to a broader segment of the population, BSNL’s device could play a crucial role in furthering digital literacy and inclusion. Dr. Arun Kumar, a policy expert on digital technologies, explains, “Affordable 5G devices can be transformative for rural India. From e-learning to telemedicine, the applications are endless. This could be the push we need to bring the benefits of digital technology to every corner of the country.” Environmental Considerations In an era of increasing environmental awareness, questions have been raised about the sustainability aspects of producing ultra-low-cost smartphones. BSNL has yet to comment on the materials and manufacturing processes for the device, but industry experts stress the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of the product. Environmental activist Sunita Narain comments, “While affordable technology is crucial for development, we must also consider the environmental impact. BSNL has an opportunity to set a new standard by incorporating sustainable practices in the production and end-of-life management of these devices.” Looking to the Future As we await more details and the official launch of BSNL’s game-changing 5G smartphone, one thing is clear: the Indian smartphone market is in for a shake-up. This bold move by a state-owned enterprise could spur innovation and competition, ultimately benefiting the end consumer. Whether BSNL can deliver on its promises remains to be seen, but the very prospect of an ultra-affordable 5G smartphone has ignited imaginations and discussions across the country. As India stands on the cusp of a 5G revolution, BSNL’s upcoming device could very well be the catalyst that propels the nation into a new era of digital connectivity. In the coming months, all eyes will be on BSNL as it prepares to unveil what could be a transformative product for the Indian market. If successful, this launch could redefine not just the budget smartphone segment, but the entire landscape of digital access in India. The countdown to April has begun, and with it, the promise of a more connected, digitally empowered India.

Delhi Tops the List: North India's Air Pollution Reaches All Time High; Full List Here

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to dangerous levels in recent days, igniting north India's battle for clean air even before winter arrives. However, it is just not the problem of the national capital. Several cities in North India are facing the same problem of severe air pollution. While Delhi is often regarded as the most polluted city in India, this time, two cities from Haryana have taken the top spots. Check out the list of the top 10 most polluted cities in India below. Delhi’s Rising Air Pollution Delhi is at the top of the list of the nation's most polluted cities, according to real-time data. Due to the concerning rise in air pollution in Delhi, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) was put into effect in Delhi-NCR on Monday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily AQI Bulletin, Delhi's average daily AQI was 310, falling into the "Very Poor" category. Rising Pollution in Smaller Cities In addition to Delhi, several tier II and tier III cities in the North Indian states experience their worst levels of air pollution throughout the winter. According to Down to Earth, which cited a thorough analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment, North and East India continued to be the most polluted areas over the winter.

City air ‘poor’ for 3 days on trot, set to worsen, blame farm fires & wind

Gurgaon: The city's air remained in the ‘poor' category for the third consecutive day. The air quality index (AQI) rose to 226 on Tuesday, while it was recorded at 221 on the previous day. Sector 51 station recorded the highest AQI at 256, followed by Teri Gram (240) and Vikas Sadan (197). No data was available at Gwalpahari monitoring station. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), surface winds with speeds ranging from 4 kmph to 12 kmph are expected in the region for the next six days. The AQI is likely to deteriorate to ‘very poor' in the coming days as the prevailing meteorological conditions and calm winds are unfavourable for the effective dispersion of pollutants. "The AQI is likely to deteriorate to very poor in the coming days since the wind direction is likely to change to north-westerly on Wednesday, the share of stubble burning in Delhi's PM2.5 is predicted to rise to 11% on Wednesday and further to 15% on Thursday. ," said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment. So far this year, the state has recorded 655 cases of stubble burning, releasing particulate pollutants. According to CPCB, the annual average permissible limits for PM2.5 and PM10 are 40µg/m³ and 60µg/m³, respectively. On Tuesday, the PM2.5 level was highest in Sector 51 (203 µg/m³), followed by 189 µg/m³ in Teri Gram, and 181 µg/m³ in Vikas Sadan. The level of PM10 was the highest at Sector 51 (221 µg/m³), followed by Teri Gram (211µg/m³). Vikas Sadan doesn't record PM10 data. The share of stubble burning in Delhi's PM2.5 is predicted to rise to 11% on Wednesday and further to 15% on Thursday. According to an analysis by Climate Trends, a think tank, Haryana and Punjab recorded fluctuations in fire incidents between 2019 and 2023, with notable reductions in 2022 and 2023. The think tank's analysis of satellite data on fire incidents in Haryana showed that the fire counts dropped from 14,122 in 2019 to 7,959 in 2023, with fire activity consistently higher between Sept and Dec. While Gurgaon, Mewat, and Jhajjhar showed notable rises, Karnal and Kaithal had approximately 86% and 78% fewer cases of stubble burning, respectively. The report also stated that Delhi's air health was significantly impacted by these fire incidents. On days without fires, the city's AQI averaged 175 (moderate). However, during the same stubble-burning season, AQI increased to 233 (poor), and on days when fires exceeded climatological averages, AQI spiked to 337 (very poor). Meanwhile, Delhi's AQI spiked to 327 on Tuesday, deteriorating from 310 a day earlier, both in the 'very poor' category. No relief is expected from the haze and toxic pollution for the next few days as pollution is predicted to remain in the red category. Tuesday was the foulest day since Feb 14, when AQI was 341. Though the overall AQI remained in the 'very poor' range for the second consecutive day, Anand Vihar exceeded the city average, recording 417 in the ‘severe' category at 4pm to become the most polluted locality in the capital, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.

Food, Farmers, And The Future: Sunita Narain Explores Sustainable Eating In Her New Book

To say that Indians love their food would be a gross understatement. Whether we are tucking into Hyderabadi biryani, a masala dosa or any of the varieties of street food like chaat and vada pav, we eat not only to satisfy our taste buds and hunger but also to connect with others and reinforce our cultural identities. But will the foods we love outlast a climate crisis that is disrupting our agricultural system and impacting the nutrients and flavour profiles of the crops we grow? A new book by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) demonstrates how the colours, flavours and joys of eating locally-grown dishes goes hand in hand with preserving the ecology and biodiversity of the regions where they are grown. “First Food: Future of Taste” showcases over 100 recipes from across India so that readers can learn how to cook nourishing and delicious three-course meals to be served alongside tasty drinks and chutneys. We spoke with Sunita Narain, director general of the CSE and editor of Down to Earth magazine who presided over the creation of the book, on the challenges of making our agricultural systems more climate-resilient, how changing your diet can impact farmer incomes, and the future of veganism. Should we reassess the Green Revolution’s impact in light of the biodiversity loss and climate breakdown? AThere is already a push towards agroecological practices such as organic farming and climate-resilient agriculture in the country. Millets, which are water-prudent, have been promoted, too. Farmers are also taking up natural or zero-budget farming. These farming methods can be as productive as conventional farming if practised correctly. CSE has been promoting the inclusion of more biodiversity on the plate to increase resilience to crop failure, disasters and climate change. The four volumes in the First Food series provide individuals with ways to include biodiversity on their plate. QWhat are the barriers to overhauling our present agricultural system in order to benefit the living planet? AModern cultivation systems rely heavily on farm machinery, and changing to a more labour-intensive system might be difficult. In the case of biodiversity-based foods, over the last few decades, we have not invested in preserving the knowledge of how these ingredients could be used as food. Efforts have not been made to protect the local environments/niches where this biodiversity thrives. Additionally, the seeds and planting materials needed to include these ingredients in the fields are unavailable. Fields of Finger Millet, commonly known as Ragi in India Fields of Finger Millet, commonly known as Ragi in IndiaPhoto: Shutterstock QWhat practical actions can we take to signal to farmers to change what they grow? AIncreasing the demand for food is the biggest signal for the farmer. The popularity of millet is a clear example of this. There are specialised markets across Delhi that sell ingredients from different states. These establishments exist because demand can drive businesses. Over the recent years, we have seen ingredients such as lettuce, rocket, quinoa, moringa, sabja, and chia become popular in the country as they became global fads. What we need to do is push local ingredients in the same way. Farmers are taking up natural or zero budget farming. These farming methods can be as productive as conventional farming if practiced correctly QHow can we make millets more affordable to consumers while benefiting their growers financially and materially? AWe're fortunate to maintain a culture that embraces millets in our diet, which is evident in festivals and exclusive recipes. However, over the past 50 years, reliance on major grains like wheat and rice has marginalised millets. Lack of technological investment in harvesting and processing, relying on antiquated methods, exacerbates this decline. To mainstream millets, this must change. Moreover, insufficient high-quality seeds hinder increased production. Addressing these challenges, the government should support millet farmers, possibly by integrating millets into public distribution systems or school meals for guaranteed market access.