Pollution

Social media divided as experts warn Thames water is unsafe for bathing, citing high E. coli levels.

Pollution pushes health insurance claims up 14% post-Diwali across various cities as respiratory, cardiac cases surge

This comes amid long-standing discussions within the industry about introducing city-specific health insurance premiums that factor in air pollution levels as a key risk indicator.

Smog clouds housing timelines: Delhi construction ban to delay projects, say builders

Builders said that although measures are necessary from an environmental standpoint, the blanket nature of the ban places undue strain on developers and affect homebuyers too. They said that one-month ban on construction activities, on an average, delay a project by two to three months.

Winter pollution tips: Learn to breathe easy with these foods, drinks, and home remedies

By prioritizing nutrition, hydration, and protective routines, it’s possible to navigate pollution season with resilience. Small but consistent lifestyle choices not only shield the body from hazardous air but also enhance energy, immunity, and overall quality of life, making the smog season more manageable and less taxing

Punjab saw 415 farm fires from September 15 to October 21, down from 1,510 last year: Data

Officials say stricter field monitoring and awareness campaigns, telling farmers about the ill-effects of stubble burning, have also had an impact.

Diwali fireworks push Delhi’s air quality to four-year low; AQI surges 49%

Stubble fires rise in Punjab, but local factors drive Diwali spike

Meet Piranha: The fish with a bite that can shred flesh and bone

Silent beneath the water’s surface, a small but deadly predator waits. Its reputation sends shivers through rivers and legends alike, yet few have truly witnessed its fearsome power up close.

Environment Ministry cites pending approvals, lack of candidates, refusal to join for over 50% vacancy at pollution control boards

The Union government said it has sent reminder letters to all states about the Supreme Court's May 8, 2025 directive of filling all vacant positions in State Pollution Control Boards and Committees by end of September, 2025.

Why young non-smokers are now facing serious lung disorders

Doctors are seeing more young, healthy non-smokers with lung conditions once linked to smoking. Here's what's really behind this new wave of respiratory illness.

Delhi’s ban on fuel sale to old vehicles reveals a patchy solution to pollution

Delhi’s air quality deterioration is a result of multiple factors, not just vehicle pollution

From Blue Marble to Ash Grey: NASA images Reveal how Earth changed in 60 years of climate change

The Amazon, once believed to be endless, is disappearing. Australia and California are torched by fires. Forests become ashes.

Scientists know only about 1% of insects out of one million — What’s missing?

Insects are essential to Earth's ecology, but numerous species are disappearing and scientists are demanding stronger protection. A new study showcases the pressing need for monitoring and conservation of insects as well as ecosystems they support.

Meghalaya's Byrnihat Surpasses Delhi to Become the World's Most Polluted City in 2024

Byrnihat, on the Assam-Meghalaya border, is the world's most polluted city in 2024, surpassing Delhi. Unchecked emissions and poor planning fuel the crisis.

Assam's Byrnihat is most polluted city in the world; Delhi most polluted capital: Report

India ranked as the world's fifth most polluted country in 2024, down from third in 2023.

Do you know why Earth is so colourful? A new study explains how our planet beautifully painted its own life

Discover how life on Earth evolved from muted tones to vibrant colours, and how scientists are uncovering the secrets of animal and plant colouration, from trichromatic vision to aposematism.

Delhi to auction impounded vehicles if not released in 30 days, new draft amendment proposed

Under the draft amendments, vehicles impounded by the traffic police must be released within 30 days, down from the current 90-day period. If the owner fails to retrieve their vehicle within this timeframe, it could be put up for auction.

MC Pollution Dashboard: Not just Delhi NCR, a quarter of the country feels choked

Eight cities had an AQI above 300, while another 51 had an AQI of 201-300 on December 16

More cities breath easy, 133 have an AQI below 100

Among the metros, Delhi’s air quality improved further to 165. Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru had AQI readings of below 100

US CEO Bryan Johnson's throat & eyes burnt in Mumbai: 'Even with air purifiers, N95 masks...'

Bryan Johnson said even with air purifiers in his hotel room and wearing a N95 mask outside, his throat and eyes burned in Mumbai.

MC Pollution Dashboard: Delhi air quality improves, AQI dips to lowest level in 33 days

Chennai’s AQI was 24, one of the lowest among Indian cities. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata also had AQI levels below 100 on December 1

Smog-hit Delhi: Four heritage destinations to escape high pollution levels

Here are four historical places in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh - close to Delhi, that are worth exploring and not just as a retreat from the haze of the national capital region

Can the world unite to end the plastic pollution crisis?

Plastic production will jump about 60% to 736 million tons a year by 2040, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

Air quality improved in 97 of 130 cities under NCAP since 2017-18: Environment minister

The programme has seen notable successes, with cities like Varanasi and Dhanbad achieving PM10 reductions of 68 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively, the ministry said

Delhi AQI: Smog engulfs national capital with air quality slightly improving; some areas still breathe ‘severe’ air

AQI at 7 am was recorded at 366 while it was 412 at 4 pm on Saturday.

50% staff of Delhi govt offices to WFH due to pollution: Environment minister Gopal Rai

Earlier, the government announced staggered office timings for its offices and the MCD.