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Shimla’s 104-Year-Old Ice Skating Rink Opens Early for Exciting Winter Activities

December 17, 2024, 2:52 pm

Shimla’s historic 104-year-old Ice Skating Rink has finally opened its gates for the season. Ice skating at this famous destination is now possible for visitors. The rink is one of the oldest ice skating rinks in India and was built in 1920. It is open and has been attracting people during every winter season. Situated at the heart of Shimla, the rink epitomizes the culture and colonial past of the city. A visit to the place will surely be worth going in winter.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | Ice skating enthusiasts in Shimla enjoy the early start of the skating season at the 104-year-old Shimla Ice Skating Rink, one of Asia’s oldest and a historic landmark of the state. The skating season began earlier than usual this year due to favorable… pic.twitter.com/qr46dDtxBO

— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2024

The season has started earlier than expected this year, thanks to favorable dry weather and clear skies. Manpreet Singh, Secretary of the Shimla Ice Skating Club, shared, “It’s a matter of great joy that we’ve been able to kickstart the season earlier than expected. Registrations are gradually increasing as schools are now closing. Our main attractions include the winter carnival and activities at the Gymkhana, scheduled from December 25 to 31.”

Despite new rinks opening up in Ladakh, for instance, the Shimla rink has an old-world charm to it. Organising secretary of the Shimla Ice Skating Club Rajat Malhotra says, “After December 20, when tourist inflow is high, almost 80 percent of visitors are keen to visit the rink. It is one of the major attractions in Shimla.

However, the rink is facing challenges such as old infrastructure and lack of support from the government. With sufficient support, the local communities and the management of the rink hope it will regain its former status.

For those visiting Shimla this winter, the Ice Skating Rink is the place to enjoy some fun with friends and family.

Winter Wellness Tips To Keep Cold Away

December 14, 2024, 10:44 am

As the temperature lowers and winter arrives, the chances of catching a cold or flu increase. However, with a few simple lifestyle changes and precautions, you can stay healthy and avoid frequent winter ailments. Here are some tips to help you avoid colds this winter.

Layer Up for Warmth

Suitable clothing is essential for staying warm and safeguarding your body from chilly conditions. Dress in layers, beginning with moisture-wicking fabrics and progressing to insulating layers such as wool or fleece. Don’t forget to wear gloves, scarves, and caps to keep your extremities warm, as these are regions where heat quickly escapes.

Boost your Immune System

The strongest shield against colds is a robust immune system. Eat a well-balanced diet rich in elements that boost your immunity such as fruits and vegetables, foods high in Vitamin C (oranges and bell peppers), and zinc from nuts and seeds. Probiotics from yogurt or fermented foods can also help keep gut health, which is closely related to immunity.

Keep yourself Hydrated

Drinking enough water is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Hydration helps keep your mucous membranes moist, which makes it more challenging for viruses to find their way into your body. Warm drinks like herbal teas, broths, and lemon water can be soothing and hydrating during winter.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Colds are highly spread through direct contact or respiratory droplets. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, especially when visiting crowded places or handling doorknobs, and public transportation poles. Refrain from touching your face to minimize the risk of germs entering your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Stay Active

Regular exercise improves circulation and strengthens the immune system. Try yoga, brisk strolling, or indoor workouts to stay active even when it’s too cold to exercise outside.

Maintain a Comfortable Environment

Dry indoor air can irritate your nasal passages and throat, leaving you more vulnerable to illnesses. To maintain the ideal interior humidity levels, use a humidifier. If you don’t have a humidifier, place bowls of water near radiators to provide moisture to the air.

Consider Preventative Measures

Throughout the winter, keep current with flu shots and discuss supplements such as vitamin D with your doctor, since you are not getting much sun.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of catching a cold and remain healthy all winter. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your body and mind warm, healthy, and resilient during the cold months.

Eating For The Season: A Guide To Healthy Winter Nutrition

December 11, 2024, 5:15 pm

Cold days, snuggly nights, and copious seasonal vegetables make winter the ideal season to cook nutrient-dense meals. A good diet in the season boosts immunity, energizes, and makes us feel at our best since our bodies crave heat and nourishment by their very nature. Here are some professional recommendations for a healthy winter diet:.

Adopt Seasonal Vegetables: Nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables abound in the winter months. Include the following in your meals-

Root Vegetables: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants are beets, sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips.
Leafy Greens: Rich in iron, calcium, and Vitamin C, kale, spinach, and collard greens grow well in the winter.
Citrus Fruits: To boost your immune system, oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are great sources of Vitamin C.

Soups and Stews to Warm Up: Wintertime soups are stews are perfect because they offer concentrated nutrients and water.

Choose soups with veggies, lentils, and lean protein that are broth-based.
Add spices with anti-inflammatory and flavor enhancing qualities, such as garlic, ginger and turmeric.

Add nutritious Fats: For vitality and to keep your skin hydrated in the dry winter months, you need healthy fats.

Sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil should be part of your diet.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, support heart and brain health.

Superfoods to Support Immune System: Eat these superfoods for a healthy immune system.

Onions and garlic: Known to have antimicrobial properties. Probiotics in yoghurt and fermented foods work to keep the gut healthy.
Nuts and Berries: These are full of antioxidants that can help combat winter colds.

Hydrate Yourself: It is easy to forget hydration when it is winter, yet hydration is important for a healthy body.

Infused water, herbal teas, or warm water with lemon
Enjoy water-rich foods like citrus fruits and soups.

Our appetites tend to turn toward heartier foods in winter. Respect your cravings and try to find that perfect balance between comfort and dieting. You can get on with the season while ensuring your body is nourished and full of energy by embracing all those winter vegetables, drinking water sufficiently, and carefully planning out your meals. Stay warm and well this winter!

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?: Boosting Mental Health in Winter

December 9, 2024, 2:23 pm

With winter approaching in India, one could think of the cool breeze and shorter days that bring on a nostalgia and comfort about the season. However, for many, it brings sadness, fatigue, and social withdrawal. This shift in mood is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, a type of depression that typically affects people in winter. Though less discussed, SAD is increasingly found to be occurring in India. Its effects have to be dealt with efficiently.

Understanding SAD

SAD tends to present when days get shorter, and hence the availability of sunshine becomes less. Although more related to the winter conditions, there is also a prominent occurrence of cases in India mainly in northern areas such as in Punjab, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir. Also, the sun rays become even lesser in the southern places, so people even there suffer during monsoon or on days with overcast clouds. Since most areas of the globe have been warming up considerably, natural sunlight still lessens one’s chances towards this illness.

SAD is not just the typical winter blues. It is a clinical form of depression characterized by symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite—particularly carb cravings—difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, and sleep disturbances. These signs, if persistent, should be taken seriously. Dr. Rituparna Ghosh, Senior Clinical Psychologist at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, emphasizes the importance of addressing these symptoms early.

Who is at Risk for SAD?

Some individuals are more prone to SAD than others. For example, females between the ages of 20 and 30 years are more susceptible to the condition than males. Also, those who have experienced depression or anxiety in the past are more prone to the condition. Those living in areas where there is little sunlight exposure are also more prone to SAD. Urban people, especially in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, where greenery is very scarce, are more susceptible to SAD due to social isolation and less exposure to sun.

SAD remains one of the most under-recognized conditions in India, which further delays diagnosis and treatment. Mental health needs to be discussed widely, especially during the winter months.

Identifying Symptoms

SAD can be mistaken as a temporary downturn in mood. However, once symptoms start to interfere with everyday life, it is important to seek professional help. If feelings of sadness, withdrawal, and fatigue last more than two weeks and affect daily activities, it is important to consult a mental health professional.

How to deal with SAD

The management of SAD would require lifestyle modifications, in addition to professional interventions in some cases. Probably one of the most effective strategies is increased exposure to natural light. It could be as little as 20-30 minutes outside during daylight hours, which can help regulate the body’s internal clock and thus increase serotonin levels, hence better mood. Those in areas with less daylight could consider using light therapy lamps.

Physical activity is the other key area of managing SAD. Exercise, walking, or even doing yoga and such things stimulate endorphin release, thus being natural mood enhancers. Yoga is the epitome of Indian culture. It is believed to offer various physical and mental health benefits and helps combat the symptoms of SAD.

Consistency in sleep pattern is also very essential. Winter season always tends to alter the sleep pattern, either by making a person sleep for longer periods or become unable to wake up early. These disturbances can be nullified by setting a regular sleep-wake cycle and refraining from consuming caffeine in the evening. Mindfulness or meditation before sleeping also improves sleep quality.

Impact on Social Relationships

While it may be very tempting to isolate oneself during the colder months, staying connected with friends, family, and community is essential in managing SAD. Social activity can really fight off the feelings of loneliness. The socializing that goes hand in hand with festive seasons in India can be a very great opportunity for staying connected and thus maintaining healthy mental life.

For those with severe or chronic symptoms of SAD, professional treatment is often required. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been especially helpful in the treatment of SAD. It assists people in replacing negative thoughts with more constructive ones and aids in the development of coping strategies. In some cases, medications may be recommended to treat symptoms. With growing awareness of mental health issues in India, seeking professional care, both offline and online, has become easier.

Raising awareness about SAD would involve working as a community. Mental health should continue to be a priority of India’s public health agenda. Working places, schools, and other communities must be made mental-friendly. For instance, work arrangements that can be flexible enough to allow people to avoid cold conditions and enjoy the warmth, wellness programs, and mental check-ups among others will help people live with SAD.

Breaking the stigma of mental health is important. By fostering an open and supportive environment and encouraging conversations about mental health, individuals facing SAD can seek the help they need.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than a seasonal mood shift—it’s a serious mental health issue that requires understanding, attention, and care. With proactive steps such as maximizing light exposure, staying active, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and nurturing social connections, the impact of SAD can be managed. As mental health awareness continues to grow in India, it is essential to address conditions like SAD and provide necessary support for those who may be struggling.

Winter doesn’t have to be a season of the fall-off-the-ladder kind. The right approach, and a collective effort, can make it a season of healing and growth and resilience.

Rare Light Pillars Illuminate Alberta’s Winter Nights | SEE PICS

November 30, 2024, 12:09 pm

Residents of Central Alberta, Canada, were treated to a mesmerizing display of light pillars during the night, with temperatures plummeting to -30 degrees Celsius. This celestial phenomenon, often misunderstood as paranormal, is actually a natural event well-known to meteorologists. The light pillars appeared as bright, vertical beams against the dark winter sky, captivating onlookers.

What Are Light Pillars?

Light pillars are vertical columns of light that seem to extend upwards from ground-based light sources into the sky. For these phenomena to occur, specific meteorological conditions must align perfectly. Sub-zero temperatures between -10°C and -40°C are necessary, along with high humidity to form ice crystals. In Alberta’s case, the freezing temperature of -30°C provided the ideal conditions. Additionally, calm or light wind is crucial to keep the ice crystals stable in the air, allowing them to reflect light effectively.

These light pillars result from hexagonal ice crystals in the atmosphere reflecting light from various sources, such as streetlights or city lights.

Social Media Users Share Images

The unusual sight was observed in Central Alberta on November 26 and 27. Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with photos and videos of the phenomenon.

One user shared an incredible panoramic shot, “Crazy!! I saw these 2 days in a row! This is a 5-shot pano taken in Lacombe, Alberta yesterday morning.”

Crazy!! I saw these 2 days in a row! This is a 5 shot pano taken in Lacombe, Alberta yesterday morning. #teamtanner #wx @treetanner @mikesobel @weathernetwork @mark_tarello pic.twitter.com/8d6LOZZf1T

— Dar Tanner (@dartanner) November 27, 2024

Another commented, “Light pillar season has begun in Alberta, Canada.”

Light pillar season has begun in Alberta, Canada

? Light pillars are caused by light reflecting off ice crystals suspended in the air. This phenomenon occurs in cold places where the temperature allows hexagonal ice crystals to form. For example, these photos were taken at… pic.twitter.com/F3Rk55UXaV

— Malinda ???????????????????? (@TreasChest) November 26, 2024

A close-up video shared by another user showcased the spectacle, “WOW!! Want to see what light pillars look like to the eye?? And close up even?! Taken this morning in Lacombe, Alberta at -20°C.”

WOW!! Want to see what light pillars look like to the eye?? And close up even?! Taken this morning in Lacombe, Alberta at -20°C#TeamTanner @treetanner @weathernetwork @WeatherNation @weatherchannel @spann pic.twitter.com/IHcjNvYja5

— Dar Tanner (@dartanner) November 26, 2024

One video posted by an X user even gave the illusion of the world being flipped upside down, further enhancing the awe surrounding this natural marvel.

Light pillars in Alberta, Canada ?? pic.twitter.com/j2bB91fmM9

— Domenico (@AvatarDomy) October 13, 2023

Regions like Canada, Russia, and parts of Scandinavia are known for offering the right conditions to witness this rare winter event. Alberta, with its frigid temperatures and clear skies, remains a hotspot for this spectacular natural display. The recent light pillars added a magical touch to the already enchanting winter season in the region.

Tamil Nadu’s Ooty turns into iceland as minimum temperature drops

January 27, 2024, 10:04 am

The cold wave has hit Tamil Nadu’s Ooty and turned it into an Iceland. The temperature has dropped below 2.5 °C with relative humidity recorded at 65 percent. Many areas surrounding Ooty also experienced frost.

The hilly district of Nilgiri experience frost annually from November to February, however, this time frost is observed during late January due to the stormy rains. Ooty and he surrounding cities including Kanthal, Pinker Post and Thalai Kuntha also experiences Icy plains.

The severe cold has disrupted the daily life of people. Many are unable to even come out of their homes due. Bonfires are being used to keep the warmth. The green lawns are covered with a white carpet, event he vehicles are covered under a thin layer of ice sheet. People living on the upper reaches of Tamil Nadu are unaccustomed to such severe dropping of temperature. It is almost impossible to leave the house.

Vast expanses of grasslands in the Nilgiris district resembled a magical realm, adorned with the glistening beauty of fresh dew drops commonly referred to as white frost, adorning the lush green carpet of grass. This enchanting phenomenon graced numerous areas of the well-known hill station, including Ooty Nagar, Thalikunda, HPF, Kanthal, and Fingerpost.

The mesmerizing spectacle extended to the extent that up to an inch of ice delicately blanketed parked vehicles, presenting a picturesque yet challenging scene for residents attempting to start their cars. The icy conditions led to complaints from locals grappling with difficulties igniting their vehicles.

Local meteorological (MeT) authorities highlighted substantial fluctuations in day and night temperatures over the past few weeks, with daytime temperatures consistently reaching above 25 degrees Celsius. This climatic variance likely contributed to the formation of the exquisite white frost, transforming the Nilgiris district into a wondrous winter wonderland.

“Lil Nas X Takes the Fashion World by Storm: Coach Campaign”

December 19, 2023, 1:35 pm

The Grammy-winning musician Lil Nas X has been causing a stir in the fashion industry lately thanks to his partnerships and appearances in prominent campaigns.

Lil Nas X in the Coach Commercial
Coach’s “Courage to Be Real” campaign has Lil Nas X as the focal point, highlighting the brand’s audacious and self-assured spirit. A short film helmed by Petra Collins, which highlights self-expression and honesty, is part of the campaign. Through this partnership, Lil Nas X’s impact as a global Coach ambassador is emphasised, showcasing his lively, colourful, bright, and shape-shifting style.

These latest partnerships and appearances highlight Lil Nas X’s expanding stature in the fashion business as he keeps leaving his imprint through his distinct aesthetic and imaginative pursuits.

Top 5 Holiday Destinations for Your Perfect Winter Getaway

December 19, 2023, 1:05 pm

Looking for the perfect winter holiday destination? Here are five top destinations to consider for a memorable winter vacation:

1.The State of Himachal Pradesh
Popular destinations for adventure sports, winter honeymoons, and snowfall are the hill stations of Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, and McLeodgan

Image Source- Holidify

2. City of New York
A city known for its traditional Christmas celebrations, which include The Nutcracker at Lincoln Centre, the Radio City Rockettes, ice skating in Central Park, and the lighting of the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree.

Image Source- Travel + Leisure

3. Belgium’s Bruges
A city including frozen canals, cosy hotels, chocolatiers, cobblestone streets, and attractive architecture. In January and February, there are hardly any tourists.

Image Source- The Times Of India

4. Lake Bled, Slovenia
A lovely lake with skiing and other attractions like the Vintgar Gorge, waterfalls, and caverns that encircles Bled Island.

Image Source- Lonely Planet

5. The Islands of Maldives
An ideal family getaway, best enjoyed in the British winter months.

Image Source- CNN

Delhi Freezes: Minimum Temperature Plunges to 4.9 Degrees, North and Northeast India Grapple with Dense Fog

December 15, 2023, 10:15 am

The winter chill has tightened its grip on Delhi as the minimum temperature in New Delhi plummeted to 4.9 degrees Celsius on Friday, marking the first instance this season of the mercury dipping below 5 degrees. This deviation of below 4 degrees from the normal for this time of the year has residents bracing for a cold winter season. In contrast, the maximum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 24.1 degrees Celsius in New Delhi.

Simultaneously, several regions in north and northeast India woke up to thick fog on Friday morning, severely impacting visibility and causing disruptions in normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported very dense fog in isolated pockets over Punjab, while shallow to moderate fog affected isolated areas in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura at 0530 hours on Friday.

As the city of Amritsar became cloaked in dense fog, residents sought solace from bonfires to combat the persistent coldwave conditions. The recorded visibility at 0530 hours IST was less than or equal to 500 meters in many places. Amritsar reported zero visibility, Patiala had 500 meters, Ghoorpur in Uttar Pradesh recorded 200 meters, and Lucknow and Varanasi each had 500 meters of visibility. Purnea in Bihar, Guwahati in Assam and Meghalaya, and Kailashahar in Tripura reported 200 meters and 500 meters of visibility, respectively.

The IMD highlighted these conditions, stating, “Visibility recorded (at 0530 hours IST of today, 15th Dec) (≤500 meters): Punjab: Amritsar-0, Patiala-500; Uttar Pradesh: Ghoorpur-200, Lucknow & Varanasi-500 each; Bihar: Purnea-200; Assam & Meghalaya: Guwahati-200; Tripura: Kailashahar-500.”

Fog, a weather phenomenon where tiny water droplets come together to create a dense cloud close to the ground or sea, is notorious for hindering visibility. The thick fog poses challenges for drivers, reducing visibility to just a few meters and making travel difficult.

Rachel Green’s Iconic Winter Outfits: 5 Stylish Looks for Seasonal Inspiration

December 12, 2023, 3:38 pm

It’s winter season and it’s time to try out new fashion trends but how about we try taking inspiration from the most iconic character “Rachel Green” from “Friends” and take a step into the world of fashion of the 90’s.

Try wearing something stylish to the office this winter by getting inspired by this look. shirts with the combination of grey and black for the winter are just the look you need to try out.

It’s leather season during the winter. Skrits and black leather jackets are timeless pieces that have always been the talk of the fashion world. Use this outfit as inspiration for a laid-back day with your pals.

The ideal colours to wear in the winter are warm tones. helps you in every situation. To give your clothes more flair, consider incorporating more tones of brown into them.

The style of choice is short skirts and long stockings. We guarantee that if you try this look for a daytime occasion, you will look amazing. Playing around with shades like red, green, or even yellow will help you make your ensemble look more put together.

A dress is always a good choice when paired with your favourite coat. A coat is an item of clothing that is always in style. Try dressing in the current trend of long coats and boots.

Winter Skincare Essentials: 10 Tips for Healthy, Radiant Skin

December 12, 2023, 2:56 pm

During the winter months, it’s essential to take extra care of your skin to combat the effects of cold, dry air. Here are 10 expert-approved tips to help you maintain healthy and glowing skin throughout the winter season

Hydrate Your Skin: Keep your skin well-hydrated to fend off dryness. By using a quality moisturiser, you can keep your skin from drying out and becoming irritated while also preserving its natural moisture content.
Drink Water Often: Having healthy skin requires being hydrated from the inside out. Even in the dry winter months, drinking water on a regular basis can help keep the moisture levels in your skin stable.
When washing your face, use lukewarm water to prevent dryness as hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. To avoid losing moisture from your face, wash it with lukewarm water.
Moisturise Right quickly: It’s critical to moisturise right quickly after washing your hands, face, or body in order to restore the natural oils that were removed. Select a moisturiser that works best for dry skin.
Include Vitamin C in Your Skincare Routine: Vitamin C helps counteract the impacts of UV radiation that sunscreen may not be able to entirely block, making it useful during the winter months. Additionally, it helps to increase the formation of collagen, which brightens the skin.
Apply an Eye Cream and Lip Moisturiser: Don’t forget to pay extra care to the sensitive skin around your eyes and on your lips. To avoid dryness and maintain the hydration of these regions, use an eye cream and lip moisturiser.
Enjoy Creamy Body Butter: During the winter, use creamy body butter that contains key components for winter skin, such as shea and cocoa oils, to keep your skin’s protective barrier hydrated.
Combine Skincare with a Nutritious Diet: Consuming a diet high in seasonal vegetables, such butternut and pumpkin squashes, can help stimulate the creation of collagen, regulate skin function, and help regenerate cells.
Protect Your Skin in Cold Weather: To protect your skin from the damaging effects of cold, dry air, think about wearing protective clothing and accessories. This can support keeping skin healthy and preventing moisture loss.
Seek Professional Advice: A dermatologist can offer tailored advice on how to preserve healthy skin throughout the winter months if you have particular skin disorders or concerns.

Winter Horror: Homeless people sit along a roadside on a cold winter day

January 10, 2023, 1:34 pm

Delhi records minimum temperature of 7-degrees

December 29, 2022, 1:03 pm

The national capital shivers in cold on Thursday as biting cold and foggy conditions continued in the city with a temperature of 7 degrees Celsius recorded at the Safdarjung station. As per IMD, the dense fog and cold day conditions over northwest India would be reduced for next 48 hours, however, a fresh spell of dense fog and cold wave is likely to commence over northwest India from December 31.

Delhi Records Lowest Temperature 3°C

December 25, 2022, 1:42 pm

Delhi recorded the lowest temperature this winter season on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast portrayed the drop in the temperature to three degrees celsius at Ridge. Cold waves are expected in the next two days and temperature will be in the range of 3-4 degrees till December 26, said the weather department.

Delhi High Court Vacation Benches To Hear Urgent Cases Listed During Winter Vacation From December 24 To January 3

December 21, 2022, 1:29 pm

The Delhi High Court will be hearing only urgent matters during the winter vacations commencing from December 24 to January 3, 2023.

However, as per the notification released by Registrar General Ravinder Dudeja, the composition of the vacation benches are as follows:

Justice Vibhu Bakhru and the Justice Amit Sharma: from 24 December to 26 December.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and the Justice Saurabh Banerjee: from 27 December to 29 December.

Justice Najmi Waziri and the Justice Saurabh Banerjee: from 30 December to 1 January.

Justice Sanjeev Narula and the Justice Amit Mahajan: from 2 January to 3 January.

The notification released stated that the judges will first sit in Division Benches and then will be siting singly for hearing urgent civil, criminal matters and other matters, as the matters may be placed before them.

It has been stated in the notification, ‘Ordinarily the Hon’ble Judges will be sitting in Court on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and such other days as they may think to fit at 10.30 A.M. The said sitting may be continued for the next succeeding day if the matter is being fixed for any day and are not finished on that day.

Further, it has been added that in case if any judge is not available on any day for any unforeseen reason, the other judge may be sitting alone subject to the condition that the judge shall not be dismissing the matters of the division bench.

Cash aid for Afghanistan’s poor families announced by UNICEF

December 5, 2022, 3:40 pm

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has announced cash aid for 1,00,000 poor Afghan families in order to help them survive the upcoming winter. The locals in Afghanistan are in a crucial need of help so that they can meet their daily household needs.

UNICEF tweeted a video on December 4, in the video a mother of five daughters and three sons said that she is afraid of the upcoming winter. The family frequently faces food shortage and their house is in dire need of repairs.

She continued by saying that she also required money, clothes, carpets, coal, firewood, and a mattress in order to endure the impending winter, which is always a source of concern for her. According to the Khaama Press, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office UK, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the German Foreign Office are supporting the cash assistance being given to the needy Afghan family.

More than 20 million people in Afghanistan are reportedly experiencing food shortages, according to a report from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which was cited in the Khaama press. More than 34000 malnourished children had been admitted to hospitals across Afghanistan, according to a different World Health Organization (WHO) report, and 19 million Afghans experience severe food insecurity.

According to a report by The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 4.6 million people have received such cash assistance (UNHCR).

In the past, India had also given aid to Afghanistan; on February 26, a shipment of humanitarian relief consisting of 2,500 tonnes of wheat from India was delivered to Jalalabad, Afghanistan, via Pakistan. On March 3, a second convoy of 2,000 MTs of wheat bearing humanitarian aid from India departed Attari, Amritsar, for Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

Additionally, on March 8, India delivered the third shipment of 40 trucks carrying 2,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan across the Attari-Wagah border.

India had already given Afghanistan 13 different batches of medical aid. Essential medications, medical/surgical supplies, such as paediatric stethoscopes, mobile sphygmomanometers with paediatric blood pressure cuffs, infusion pumps, drip chamber sets, electrocautery, nylon sutures, etc., were included in the help. The same was given to administrators of the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.

Arvind Kejriwal unveils a 15-point plan to combat air pollution ahead of the winter season

September 30, 2022, 12:25 pm

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, unveiled a 15-point action plan to reduce air pollution in the city on Friday. “The winter is set to arrive. And we often see that the pollution rises when the winter sets in. The two-crore plus population and our government have worked very hard to reduce the air pollution in Delhi over the last several years. As a result, a report by the NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) highlights that the pollution in the city has reduced significantly in 2021-22 as compared to four years ago,” According to Kejriwal, the PM10 level has decreased by 18.6 per cent. The chief minister mentioned that one of the steps that helped was reducing power outages, which reduced the use of generators.

Here is his 15-point strategy, which he revealed on Friday:

1) At this time of year, air pollution from stubble burning is a major concern. Farmers would receive a free bio-decomposer developed by the PUSA Institute. “This time, we’d try to make sure that no farmer had to burn the stubble,” Kejriwal said.

2) Beginning October 6, an anti-dust campaign will be launched. 586 teams will be responsible for active monitoring. “Anti-smog guns are now mandatory wherever there is a construction area of more than 5,000 square feet,” Kejriwal said, adding that the city would have 233 anti-smog guns in total.

3) In the case of vehicular pollution, approximately 380 teams have been formed to monitor the implementation of the PUC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) policy. The CM stated that approximately 203 frequently congested routes have been identified, emphasising that efforts will be made to keep these routes de-congested.

4) No one would be permitted to burn garbage in public. Kejriwal stated that over 600 teams have been formed for this purpose.

5) Piped natural gas would be used by industrial units. To enforce this, thirty-three teams have been formed.

6) The cracker ban remains in effect, as it does every year. The chief minister stressed that production and purchase of crackers would be restricted, with over 200 teams overseeing the process.

7) Data on possible causes of pollution in Delhi is being collected in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur. A supersite has emerged.

8) Approximately 8,500 Paryavan Mitras have been inducted as volunteers so far. Kejriwal urged people to call 8448441758 if they missed a call about volunteering.

9) To dispose of electronic waste, an e-waste park is being built.

10) The government planned to plant 42 lakh trees to increase green cover. The project to transplant the remaining 9 lakh people

11) Beginning October 3, a 24*7 green war room would be operational, with a nine-member expert team conducting constant analysis to provide a plan for the following day.

12) “About two years ago, we created a green Delhi app. 53,000 complaints have been received so far. I would encourage you to keep providing feedback on this “according to the chief minister.

13) Thirteen hotspots have been identified where strict supervision is required.

14) GRAP would be used as usual.

15) The chief minister also urged neighbouring states to ensure that the majority of vehicles coming from outside are CNG vehicles and to reduce the use of generators, among other measures.

Delhi, Punjab plans to jointly pay incentives to cut stubble burning

September 10, 2022, 11:35 am

After the Union government turned down their request for funds, the governments of Punjab and Delhi are working on finalising a monetary incentive for farmers who do not burn their paddy residue after harvesting, according to the officials.

The incentive, which was initially set at 2,500 per acre, is likely to be reduced to 1,000 per acre as a result of the Centre’s decision. The scheme will be critical in efforts to discourage farmers from burning crop residue after harvest, which is a convenient way for them to clear fields but produces clouds of smoke that cause the world’s worst air pollution crisis in much of North India.

“We had sought the support of 1,125 crores from the Union government in the total outlay of 1,875 crores while 375 crores each was to be contributed by Punjab and Delhi governments. Now, we have received a communication from the ministry of agriculture that our proposal has been rejected,” said Punjab chief secretary VK Janjua.

The chief secretary added that the states are still negotiating the incentive, which could now be reduced to $1,000 per acre. The Punjab government has set aside 200 crores in its budget this year to combat stubble burning.

On Friday, the Union Agriculture Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Officials from the Delhi government did not reveal how they planned to encourage farmers not to burn the residue.

However, officials who requested anonymity said they have already begun planning to spray a bio-decomposer solution free of charge across Basmati and non-Basmati fields in Delhi. The solution, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Pusa, naturally decomposes paddy straw in 15-30 days, eliminating the need for it to be burned.

Delhi’s environment and development minister, Gopal Rai, chaired a review meeting on Thursday to assess preparations for the event, and the agriculture department was asked to get farmers in Delhi to fill out a form as soon as possible to identify fields that need to be sprayed.

Stubble burning and finding a solution to it is one of the 15 key focus areas identified by the Delhi government for its winter air pollution action plan.

However, convincing farmers in Punjab to abandon the practice appears to be the most pressing issue.

During the Kharif season, nearly three million hectares of paddy are planted in Punjab. Every year, the state produces approximately 18.5 million tonnes of paddy crop residue. 49% of this is managed in situ (mixing the residue into the soil) and ex-situ (used as fuel), with the remainder set ablaze.

Most farmers burn the residue because it is a quick and inexpensive way to clear the fields for the sowing of the rabi season wheat crop, which has a very short window.

As a result, Delhi and its surrounding areas have dangerously high levels of air pollution.

“The agriculture ministry has rejected our proposal citing that 275 crores have already been sanctioned for supplying subsidised machines for in-situ management of paddy straw,” said an official in Punjab’s agriculture department who was present at the meetings with central officials. Farmers will receive 32,100 more subsidised machines thanks to the funds allocated.

At least 90,000 machines have been supplied to farmers in Punjab over the last four seasons, with the Centre releasing 269 crores, 273 crores, 272 crores, and 331 crores in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively.