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Delhi has seen worsening air quality over recent weeks, largely attributed to stubble burning, low wind circulation, and also due to burning crackers, even after a ban.

On Saturday morning, a layer of smog covered Delhi-NCR with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering a 'poor' rating.

Delhi's average AQI stood at 294 at 7:30 A.M, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). About 18 areas reported AQI levels above 300, indicating a 'very poor' category.

The most affected areas included Anand Vihar (380), IGI Airport (341), RK Puram (340), and Punjabi Bagh (335). Additionally, AQI levels between 200 and 300, indicating 'poor' air quality, were recorded in 19 other areas, including Alipur (295), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (284), and Mundka (288).

“Clean air is our right. We need air for life that should have oxygen and not pollutants. Only then can we be healthy, else no organ in the body can remain unaffected by air pollution,” Dr. Anil Goyal, MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology and former IMA President, told IANS.

He noted that air pollution can lead to infections in the windpipe and lungs.

“The presence of particulate matter in the body can cause pneumonia and bronchitis. It can also worsen conditions for people already suffering from asthma and lead to hospitalisation and ICU admissions.” Goyal said, noting that children and patients with hypertension, cardiac diseases, and kidney dialysis are the most vulnerable.

The health expert stated that air pollution is also causing allergies, leading to irritation and watering of the eyes; and throat infections.

“PM2.5 microns can pass through the bloodstream and cause damage to lungs, liver, and kidneys,” Goyal said.

Increasing levels of air pollution can also have a profound impact on mental health.

Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director, Manasthali Wellness told IANS that exposure to PM2.5 and toxic gases can impact mental health.

“This can cause many psychological and emotional problems. Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases stress, anxiety, and depression,” Kapoor said.

To prevent the range of conditions, Goyal suggested the residents to keep sprinkling water in localities to curb the dust; use air purifiers at home; do not burn garbage; use less of own vehicles, but use state-sponsored buses, and metros to travel.

He also recommended the vulnerable population use masks, and go for morning walks only after sunrise; not indulge in heavy exercise

Avoiding non-vegetarian diets, and spicy and fatty foods can also aid in digestion and keep people healthy during high pollution levels. Goyal said while advising people to take more water, fresh fruits, green vegetables, and millet.

--IANS

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Sharing the details of the conversation on the social media platform, X, PM Modi said that the two world leaders held a productive conversation and shared the commitment to strengthen the India-Greece Strategic Partnership.

In the post, he said, "Together, we aim to deepen our collaboration across trade, defence, shipping and connectivity. Greece is a valued partner for India within the EU as well."

PM Mitsotakis warmly congratulated PM Modi on his re-election following the general elections in India, held earlier this year.

Both leaders appreciated the momentum generated in bilateral ties through recent high-level exchanges and reiterated their firm commitment to further strengthen India-Greece Strategic Partnership.

The Greek Prime Minister was on a state visit to India in February, this year.

His visit saw the countries reaffirm their commitment to deepen the India-EU strategic partnership and emphasise their commitment to multilateralism. The two countries had also agreed on a speedy conclusion of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

During the call, PM Modi and Greek PM Mitsotakis reviewed the progress made by the two countries in various areas of bilateral cooperation, in follow-up to PM Mitsotakis's visit to India earlier this year.

The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of interest, including IMEEC and developments in West Asia.

The IMEEC has emerged as an important pillar of cooperation between the two countries. IMEEC provides an opportunity to increase connectivity between India and Europe through engagement and cooperation among the countries of the region including in the fields of trade, commerce, investment, technology, energy, logistics, ports and infrastructure.

The call resulted in positive discussions between the two leaders and they agreed to remain in touch.

During PM Modi's visit to Greece in 2023, the two countries had ensured the fruition of the objective of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. India also welcomed Greece into the International Solar Alliance and upgraded the bilateral ties to the level of a "Strategic Partnership".

Since then there has been a fillip in the India-Greece ties. (ANI)

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He said that Congress has consistently failed to deliver on its promises, whereas the BJP has always stood by its promises and went an extra mile to fulfill them.

At a media briefing at BJP national headquarters on Saturday, Trivedi questioned the consistency of Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks and suggested that his shifting comments only goes to reflect the internal confusion within the party.

According to Trivedi, Kharge’s comments inadvertently revealed that BJP governance is a boon for the country, while the Congress governance led to economic mismanagement and setbacks. 

Taking a sharp dig, he said, "the party which was once shaped with Gandhian ideals has now transformed into Rahul Gandhi Congress."

Highlighting BJP’s achievements under PM Modi, Trivedi emphasised initiatives like the Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, abrogation of Article 370 and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as significant milestones.

He mentioned that these achievements are inspired by the principle of helping the poor, similar to the ideals of Lord Ram. 

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has re-established the credibility of the leaders in front of the public. Increasing taxes on luxurious items continuously in the last few budgets and providing free food grains to the needy people, running welfare schemes for them, inspired by Lord Ram's ideal of helping the poor. By contrast, Congress brings fiscal irresponsibility. Congress-led states such as Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka are struggling to meet financial commitments like paying salaries, reflecting poor governance,” he said.

Trivedi went on to underscore BJP’s success in areas such as job creation, economic growth, internal and external security, and international relations.

He stated that PM Modi has elevated India’s global stature and propelled the country on a path of rapid development.

Reflecting on PM Modi’s stance against corruption, Trivedi quoted latter's famous slogan, “I will neither eat nor let others eat,” suggesting that this commitment has disrupted Congress’ patterns of governance. He added that Congress’ frustration stems from their inability to operate as they did during former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, when only a fraction of allocated funds reached the public.

In reference to Congress’ declining popularity, Trivedi claimed that Congress is at its lowest point in its 139-year history. He said that Congress has had leaders who faced public criticism in the past, but the current leadership has reduced the party to an object of ridicule.

--IANS