1+ hour, 44+ min ago (570+ words) As Mumbai consistently reports 'unhealthy' Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, Dr Abhijit Ahuja, pulmonologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, is sounding the alarm over the rising number of citizens experiencing persistent throat discomfort, urging people to recognise key symptoms and know when to seek medical intervention. Also read | BMC implements GRAP-4 in most-polluted areas in Mumbai In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ahuja highlighted that the city's unique pollution blend " driven by heavy traffic emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants, and coastal humidity " is creating a perfect storm for respiratory issues, particularly affecting the delicate throat and vocal cords. Dr Ahuja explained that, unlike the smog seen in other cities, Mumbai's pollution profile combines fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from vehicle exhaust with high humidity. This mixture forms a 'sticky, irritant layer' that settles directly on the throat's mucous membranes, causing immediate inflammation…...

1+ hour, 50+ min ago (292+ words) Kiran Bedi urges the government to publish a White Paper fixing past accountability and outlining a future roadmap to curb Delhi's air pollution crisis, days after expressing concern over the capital's declining air quality. Social activist and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi has once again pressed for a detailed White Paper to establish clear accountability for Delhi's persistent air pollution crisis. Her renewed demand comes shortly after she raised alarm on X about the capital's deteriorating air quality. In her post, Bedi suggested a comprehensive two-part document that would analyse the long-standing issues behind Delhi's pollution levels, highlight institutional lapses, and provide a structured plan for immediate, short-term, and long-term measures. She emphasised that this roadmap must involve various departments as well as citizens, supported by ongoing awareness campaigns and strict enforcement. Earlier, Bedi had expressed deep distress over the…...

2+ hour, 28+ min ago (371+ words) Delhi's smog is causing lung cancer in non-smokers. This trend is increasing, affecting women and younger people. Fine particulate matter in the air Breathing in the thick smog that envelops vast stretches of the city is a daily reality for millions in Delhi, turning the act of inhalation into a potential health hazard For decades lung cancer was chiefly linked to tobacco smoke, yet emerging patterns now spotlight a troubling shift Amid rising air pollution levels in Delhi, increasing numbers of non-smokers, including younger individuals and women, are being diagnosed with lung cancer This evolving trend reflects deeper environmental forces at work Understanding how airborne pollutants intersect with cancer risk holds urgent significance for public health policy and the everyday lives of urban residents.Why lung cancer is rising among non-smokers in polluted regionsHistorically a disease overwhelmingly associated with smoking,…...

2+ hour, 41+ min ago (601+ words) It's tricky to maintain good posture while sitting at a desk for hours each day, but a few simple adjustments to your work setup could make a big difference, a top orthopedic surgeon said. It's thought that around 66% of Americans have what's known as tech neck or forward head posture, where the head and chin protrude and put pressure on the neck. It's common in office workers who crane their necks to look at screens (big and small) all day. This can cause neck and back pain, headaches, and lead to more serious musculoskeletal problems, like kyphosis (curvature of the spine). "When you're sitting at a desk, your body gets stiff, your body gets tight," Dr. Jason Snibbe, the official orthopedic surgeon of the LA Clippers, who also counts Kris Jenner as a patient, said. But getting up from your…...

3+ hour, 19+ min ago (214+ words) A five-year-old boy from Noida was recently taken to the hospital for surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids, after chronic swelling and breathing problems that his mother believes were triggered by the worsening air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. The family, who moved to Noida two years ago, says the boy began suffering from persistent coughs, frequent colds, and severe nasal congestion. Despite trying various treatments including homeopathy and allopathy his condition only worsened. Doctors treating him noted that prolonged exposure to polluted air and allergens likely caused his adenoids and tonsils to swell dangerously, restricting his breathing and forcing the surgery (adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy with turbinate reduction) at a private hospital in Gurgaon last week. "It seemed like seasonal flu at first," the boy's father said. "But his breathing problems just kept increasing. Pollution and dust made everything…...

5+ hour, 39+ min ago (319+ words) The capital woke up on Sunday to a modest drop in pollution, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 268 at 9 am, placing the city in the "poor" category. However, this dip comes after more than three weeks of persistently hazardous air. The city's AQI had stayed above 300 for 23 consecutive days until November 29, marking the second-longest streak of "very poor" or worse air days since 2019. The drop'from 305 on Saturday to 268 on Sunday'marks the first noticeable respite after more than three weeks of continuous pollution, but experts warn this shouldn't be mistaken for cleaner air. Meanwhile, public anger over the seasonal air crisis shows no signs of fading. Civil-society groups have called a protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, December 3, urging residents to demand "clean, breathable air" from authorities. The protest call comes days…...

6+ hour, 12+ min ago (285+ words) Former IPS officer and ex-Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi has called for a comprehensive "White Paper" to address Delhi's worsening air-pollution emergency " one that not only explains how the capital reached this stage but also lays out a time-bound plan for recovery. Everyone, she emphasised, is both "a contributor and a solution". Alongside strict enforcement, Bedi pushed for large-scale awareness campaigns through media and educational platforms to ensure collective responsibility. Bedi argued that Delhi needs less paperwork and more field-level action. She urged officers and civic authorities to step outdoors daily, inspect problem spots such as dusty roads and construction zones, and act on violations in real time rather than waiting for reports. Only then, she said, can coordination truly improve across agencies. Bedi also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recalling how his virtual reviews during her tenure…...

7+ hour, 10+ min ago (155+ words) Delhi's air quality improved to the 'poor' category on Sunday morning, registering an AQI of 268, a significant drop from the 'very poor' levels of the previous day. While five stations still reported 'very poor' conditions, the majority of the city's monitoring sites indicated 'poor' air quality. The minimum temperature was 8.3 degrees Celsius with 97% humidity. "Hold" a good business & wealth creation will happen: 16 large & mid-cap stocks for investors with an ability to ignore noise Rajnath Singh lauds civil-military fusion in Operation Sindoor Humayun Kabir firm on Babri Masjid; BJP, Congress slam move Op Sindoor: BSF claims major strikes; 118 Pak posts, 72 launchpads hit From Judiciary to Jihad, Madani"s remarks spark uproar US and China play by their "Own Rules; Jaishankar weighs in 'No rift, no rebel': Siddaramaiah'DKS underline unity New Swarn Nagari Express to connect Jaisalmer-Delhi Salaries, PF reshaped under big…...

7+ hour, 56+ min ago (115+ words) With pollution remaining chronically high through November and only slight relief now, experts and authorities urge residents " especially vulnerable groups " to limit time outdoors, use masks or air purifiers, and avoid strenuous physical activity outside. 050 (Good) " Air quality is satisfactory; minimal health impact. 51100 (Satisfactory) " Acceptable air quality; mild effects for sensitive individuals. 101200 (Moderate) " Air may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung or heart conditions. 201300 (Poor) " Prolonged exposure may lead to respiratory issues; discomfort for most people. 301400 (Very Poor) " Even healthy individuals may experience significant health effects; sensitive groups at higher risk. 401500 (Severe) " Hazardous air quality; serious health impacts even for healthy people....

8+ hour, 9+ min ago (282+ words) Pollution levels in Delhi are extremely high these days, and the city's poor air quality is affecting people's skin in several ways. The air is filled with tiny particles such as dust, smoke, and chemicals. These particles are so small that they cling to the skin and even penetrate deep into the pores. When this happens, the skin becomes stressed and inflamed. Dr Nirupama Parwanda, Dermatologist & Founder, Zolie Skin Clinic, shares everything you need to know: Pollution triggers the production of a large number of free radicals. These molecules cause damage from within the skin, and one of their major targets is collagen. Collagen is the protein that keeps the skin firm, tight, and youthful. When collagen breaks down, the skin becomes dull and loose, and early signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and uneven skin tone…...