[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”E-Edition” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2FTIP-December-15-E-Edition.pdf%20″][vc_single_image image=”155737″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TIP-December-15-E-Edition.pdf “][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Lead Stories This Week” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2F”][vc_wp_posts number=”5″ show_date=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”82828″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/ “][vc_single_image image=”82829″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/ “][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Tag: Health
Read the latest health news, diet, fitness, medical news and healthcare tips on theindianpanorama.news/health. Get all the healthcare news, including wellness, fitness, diet and weight loss & more.
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SPEND A CHRISTMAS VACATION WITH CLARK GRISWOLD?
- By Mabel Pais
Do you wish to experience an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and laughs?
Then attend a special screening of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ including a live conversation with none other than Clark Griswold himself.
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ‘CHRISTMAS VACATION’ – FILM
Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold in ‘Christmas Vacation.’ (Credit / NJPAC) Chicago-area resident Clark Griswold intends to have a great Christmas with his entire family. He drives his wife Ellen and children Audrey and Rusty out to the country to find a tree, ultimately choosing the largest one they can find. Realizing too late that they did not bring any tools to cut down the tree, they are forced to uproot it instead. Clark’s holiday plans inadvertently cause steadily escalating chaos for the family’s yuppie neighbors, Todd and Margo Chester. When both Clark’s and Ellen’s parents arrive for Christmas, their bickering quickly begins to annoy the family. However, Clark maintains a positive attitude and remains undeterred in his plans. He covers the house’s entire exterior with thousands of lights, which temporarily cause a citywide power shortage once he gets them to work properly.
The preparations go on.
Clark and Ellen share a Christmas kiss. Clark is satisfied that he has provided a great Christmas for his family!
CONVERSATION WITH CHEVY AND JAYNI
Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni share behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the making of the movie, and answer your questions about Chevy’s storied career, including ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) and ‘Caddyshack.’ So grab your ugly holiday sweater and refill your eggnog, because “nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas!”
TICKETS
Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
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CREATE MAGICAL MEMORIES ON ‘NUTCRACKER’ WEEKEND
- By Mabel Pais
Create magical memories that will last a lifetime at these must-see events for the entire family!
Celebrate a NUTCRACKER WEEKEND at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall on December 17 and December 23
THE NUTCRACKER: THE STATE BALLET THEATER OF UKRAINE
Nutcracker: Ukraine Ballet Theatre performers. Credit / NJPAC) An annual NJPAC tradition, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine returns with the beloved holiday favorite ‘The Nutcracker.’ Bundle up and escape to a winter wonderland with The State Ballet Theater of Ukraine’s holiday spectacle on Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m.
Step into choreographer Andrei Litvinov’s whimsical world of toy soldiers and colorful characters. The beautiful costumes, spectacular sets, and enchanting choreography of Tchaikovsky’s beloved musical score will create an unforgettable memory for you and your loved ones this holiday season!
Set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score and featuring brand new choreography and productions by Andrey Litvinov, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine premiered this revised version of ‘The Nutcracker’ in Dnipro, Ukraine, in 2020. Choreography and design lasted for many months with the pandemic constantly disrupting the process. Fortunately, this new interpretation of a timeless classic still managed to be completed. The company is recognized as one of the most prestigious institutions of classical ballet in Ukraine. With no fewer than 55 of Ukraine’s finest performers, this esteemed ensemble has performed to the delight of audiences worldwide.
HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
Featuring Rap Legend MC Kurtis Blow
Saturday, December 23, 2023 @ 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Hip Hop Nutcracker performance. Credit / NJPAC) A holiday mash-up for the whole family!
NJPAC’s original holiday extravaganza remixes and re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s ballet with supercharged hip hop choreography – ‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’ – celebrating its 10th season with two spectacular performances.
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker brings a generous dose of contemporary spirit, sure to heat up even the most restless and wintry of souls.” –The New York Times.
“It turns The Nutcracker on its head, in the coolest possible way!” –CBS
The ‘Hip Hop Nutcracker’ is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers and rap legend who opens the show with a short set thereby setting the mood. A dozen unstoppable all-star dancers go full-out from start to finish, wrapping the classic story of ‘The Nutcracker’ in New York City style. Expect twists, turns and tons of fun in this full-length show that celebrates love, community and the magic of the season.
Prepare to see the stage come alive with supercharged hip-hop choreography, as performers inject New York City flair into an iconic Tchaikovsky ballet. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Adding to the excitement – inspired by the live stage show, the Original Special ‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’ from Disney Branded Television will stream this holiday season, only on Disney+. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of the beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
TICKETS
Tickets to see THE STATE BALLET THEATRE OF UKRAINE: THE NUTCRACKER or THE HIP-HOP NUTCRACKER are available by visiting NJPAC.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
NJPAC, located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.
Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand
Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business.
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H-O-R-R-O-R IN FILM?
- By Mabel Pais
Screening Shorts
YOGESH CHANDEKAR’s ‘Giallo’
RAMONE MENON’s ‘My Scary Indian Wedding’
And many more
My Scary Indian Wedding (Credit / fmasu.com) The HorrorFest International Film Festival 2023 takes place at St. George, Utah, October 18-21. The Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah presents the films and events at Southern Utah’s historic Electric Theater once again serving as the primary venue for the event. This year’s edition of the international survey of horror/thriller cinema will screen 46 films (8 features and 38 shorts) representing 15 countries. In addition, 16 feature-length scripts and 8 scripts for short films will also participate in the film festival’s script competition over the four-day fright-filled event. Additionally, HorrorFest International 2023 will host its always anticipated secret screening, filmmaker and horror-themed panels, its traditional trivia event, a live script read of a beloved horror classic, a costume contest, and more.
Recognized as one of the top horror festivals in the world and taking place in beautiful St. George, Utah, HorrorFest International FF not only has the benefit of utilizing one of the truly historic theaters in the United States as its festival hub, but it is also surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenic locales in the U.S. including Zion National Park, Pine Valley, and Snow Canyon.
HorrorFest International Film Festival Co-Founders and Senior Programmers, Adam Mast and John Pugh, said, “This year’s lineup not only offers up great thrills and scares, but also challenges our preconceptions of what makes a horror film a horror film. Filmmaking and storytelling in the horror/thriller genre seems to be amid another artistic renaissance and is seeing a growing appreciation by audiences that aren’t what we traditionally think of as ‘horror film audiences. We love that idea and once again will enthusiastically bring those filmmakers and audiences together at the Electric Theater in St. George.”
2023 Horror Fest International Lineup
OPENING NIGHT SELECTION
Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls
Director: Andrew Bowser; USA; 96m
Fledgling occultist Onyx and a group of worshipers attend a once-in-a-lifetime ritual at their idol Bartok the Great’s mansion.
CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION
Where the Devil Roams
Directors: Toby Poser, Zelda Adams, John Adams; USA; 93m
The latest effort from the creative filmmaking family behind Hellbender follows a family of sideshow performers as they travel the world on a dying carnival circuit during the Depression Era.
ADDITIONAL FILMS
There are 6 additional Feature films, 38 Short Films, 16 Feature Length Screenplays and 8 Short Length Screenplays.
To get a complete lineup of films, visit fmasu.com/horrorfest
FILM AND MEDIA ALLIANCE OF SOUTHERN UTAH (FMASU) — Formed in 2017, FMASU is designed to encourage, inspire, nurture, and educate filmmaking talent and to preserve film history and the theatrical experience. While FMASU prides itself on its Southern Utah roots, it is equally interested in championing storytellers from all around the world. Of course, the primary goal is to engage everyone through the culturally expansive nature of the world’s greatest art form: Cinema! Learn more at fmasu.com.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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The narrative of development and populism
An easy way to make development an appealing proposition for voters is to define it narrowly in terms of visible physical infrastructure
“Equating development to visible mega-infrastructure could, over time, become a dangerous obsession for two reasons. First, the suitability of such projects for the specific geographic location or users is often overstated without realistically assessing long-term environmental consequences and its implications on the livelihoods of present and future generations. Second, the mechanisms of financing mega-infrastructure are often on the assumption of exaggerated revenue accruals from multiplier effects and flattened costs without any time and cost over-run. The fiscal burden of such financing modes would start surfacing in the medium term, and addressing it imposes additional costs.”
By M Suresh Babu On September 14, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of projects worth over ₹50,700 crore in the election-bound State of Madhya Pradesh. This included a petrochemical complex and 10 new industrial projects. He emphasized that this investment would boost the State’s development. Just a few days later, on September 18, a major Opposition party announced “guarantees” for the people of Telangana ahead of the Assembly elections. These include ₹2,500 a month financial assistance to women, gas cylinders at ₹500, free travel for women in State transport buses, schemes promising an annual financial assistance of ₹15,000 for farmers, a housing scheme with a piece of land and ₹5 lakh for construction of house for homeless poor, 200 units of free electricity to each poor household, health insurance cover of up to ₹10 lakh and ₹5 lakh financial assistance to students from a poor background to pursue higher education. Both these announcements in conjunction show that ‘development and populism’ gain wide circulation before elections and that these two are pitched as poll promises with a call to evaluate the gains emanating with respect to short-term versus long-term benefits. The most common narrative is that development is the long-term ideal and populism is dubbed as myopic, with development-retarding effects.
The development obsession
There are no two arguments on the need to achieve higher and better development outcomes. However, there exists a need to assess its trajectory and inclusivity to understand the implications for welfare and sustainability. While the need for accelerated development is sold easily as a poll promise, the need to take stock and address unevenness in welfare gains is neither mentioned nor taken up in the post-poll time period. An easy route to make development as an appealing proposition for voters is to define it narrowly in terms of visible physical infrastructure. The advantage of such a narrow definition is that it can be easily showcased and achievements can be quantified. This in turn would give an advantage to the incumbent governments if the scale of physical infrastructure creation is high. The opposing political parties would then be left with three options: promise an even higher scale of infrastructure creation if voted to power; highlight the unsuitability of the created infrastructure and dub it as failure, and/or address welfare of some section of the population that is left out through economic populism.
Equating development to visible mega-infrastructure could, over time, become a dangerous obsession for two reasons. First, the suitability of such projects for the specific geographic location or users is often overstated without realistically assessing long-term environmental consequences and its implications on the livelihoods of present and future generations. Second, the mechanisms of financing mega-infrastructure are often on the assumption of exaggerated revenue accruals from multiplier effects and flattened costs without any time and cost over-run. The fiscal burden of such financing modes would start surfacing in the medium term, and addressing it imposes additional costs. Two examples would clarify the above. First, during the period June 24 to July 10, 2023, over 41 landslides, 29 flash floods, and one cloud burst occurred in Himachal Pradesh amid relentless rain. One could call these as events of ‘climate crises’. But Himachal Pradesh is an active participant in the race to ‘development’ through the construction of several highway roads connecting various tourist locations, thereby making the mountain regions fragile and unleashing unplanned urbanization.
Uttarakhand faced a big disaster in 2013. Rather than learning from it, the government went on to ‘rebuild’ the State, which was a rebranding of the State with many highway projects. The ‘Char Dham Yatra’ is hyped as road connectivity that brings millions of people as religious tourists despite the fact that most places have infrastructure for only a few thousand people. These are two of the many recent examples of projecting mega-infrastructure as development symbols, resulting in environmental disasters. The costs of such disasters are not one-time as the easy route of development selected by the policy regimes sets off a spiral of calamities. Second, to assess the fiscal burden, the story of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the apex body for the construction and management of national highways in the country, is revealing. The total debt of the NHAI stood at ₹3,42,801 crore as on March, 2023, up from ₹23,797 crore in 2014. The bulk of the debt, i.e., ₹3.27 trillion, was contracted between 2017-18 and 2021-22. The NHAI’s debt servicing cost will cross ₹50,000 crore in FY28 as the money was raised through bonds in 112 tranches; the last of those will mature in 2050. Apart from debt, the NHAI also has contingent liabilities, most of which are from disputed claims that have been filed by contractors and developers. The fiscal implications of financing development lingers in the system, imposing long-term constraints. These two examples given above highlight the perils of the obsession of symbolizing mega- infrastructure as icons of development.
Space for populism
Populism has two dimensions — political and economic. According to Dani Rodrik, noted political economist of Harvard University, “The distinctive trait of populism is that it claims to represent and speak for ‘the people,’ which is assumed to be unified by a common interest. This common interest, the ‘popular will,’ is in turn set against the ‘enemies of the people’ — minorities and foreigners (in the case of right-wing populists) or financial elites (in the case of left-wing populists). Since they claim to represent ‘the people’ at large, populists abhor restraints on the political executive. They see limits on their exercise of power as necessarily undermining the popular will.” This is the hallmark of political populism which allows the majority to ride over the rights of the minorities. Economic populists too disfavor restraints on the conduct of economic policy, as restraints, in general, narrow their policy options. However, the economic policy environment tends to prefer rules and restraints because short-term interests might dominate when economic policy is largely shaped by political considerations. Rules and restraints serve the purpose of checking those in power from pursuing short-sighted policies. But unwavering commitment to rules and restraints may at times serve to advance the interests of narrower groups, enabling them to cement their temporary advantage for reaping long-term benefits. Thus, it emerges that while rules and restraints are vital in checking unbridled growth of political populism, a fine blend of rules with discretion is required to curtail the expansion of economic populism.
On conventional models
Conventional models of economic growth did not attach much importance to distribution as it was expected to be an inbuilt consequence of growth. These models assumed that the benefits of growth would percolate through the ‘trickle-down effect’, that is, growth is characterized as a ‘high tide that lifts all boats’. In this scheme of things, populist re-distributive policies do not find a place. However, cross-country growth experience shows that the benefits of growth do not trickle down that easily and some sections of the population become ‘outliers’ in the growth process. Government-led redistribution is needed to reduce the size of such outliers and spread the benefits of growth more evenly. The rationale for economic populism arises in this context.
While economic populism imposes fiscal costs, inappropriate physical infrastructure-led development imposes additional costs, especially environmental costs. These costs might work as a binding constraint on subsequent governments. Poor resilience coupled with an injection of fragility to the environment results in a situation of costs of such ‘infrastructure led development’ remaining in the system for long. In contrast to narrowly defined and prominently visible megaprojects-led development, not all economic populism hurts. At times it might be the only way to forestall the dangerous obsession with physical infrastructure-led development.
(The author is Professor of Economics at IIT Madras)
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Weekly Horoscope- September 25 to October 2023
Aries
Ganesha says you’re fortunate this week, so you’ll do well in the appointments you’ll be having. Your agility will be useful in handling a monetary deficiency if you work in commerce. This week, you’ll ruin your relationship out of jealousy. Don’t toss behind what you currently possess but be honest with your hour companion about how you’re experiencing and what you’re not accomplishing in existence. This week, getting outside and spending some time in the fresh air will assist you unwind and discover solace.Taurus
Ganesha says this week, individuals in your career will give you some good challenges. You need to focus on your regions of expertise this week. Don’t question the decisions you’ve already made. This week, you’ll feel tricked out of your partner’s commitment. Even though you can feel abandoned and left out, try to have an open mind and respect your partner’s situation. Feel encouraged to interact sans restraints. This week, you need to be really careful about what you eat. You could have an issue with gastritis. take good care.
Gemini
Ganesha says you’re going to squander a lot of income this week as a consequence of your hasty decisions. The seventh sector predicts gains from unanticipated resources that will contribute to a feeling of balance. Most likely, you’ll seize the chance presented by the universe working to your advantage. The individual you worry about will be astounded by you. A tiny delight in the afternoon will make your heart feel better if you’re married. It’s possible that you’re concerned about the surroundings. Try to step back from the circumstance and unwind.
Cancer
Ganesha says this week, you’ll have to do a bunch of preparation before you throw your trumps. You’ll most likely get the cooperation you want; just watch out that you don’t forfeit it on a little issue. Taking chances is fortunate this week. You and your partner will travel with one another this week. If you and your partner have similar goals, you’ll succeed. This week, you’ll evaluate the challenges in your way together, but communicating your ideas to your partner will be difficult. Migraine will make pondering more difficult this week. To prevent getting tired and annoyed, take a brief day off in between.
Leo
Ganesha says profits will fill your optimism this week. This week, you will profit from every transaction you enter into. Rather than setting protracted implementation depends on this week, live in the present and enjoy it. Although they may crave your company this week, your partner’s responsibilities to their career and home will keep them busy. Make an effort to inspire them with enthusiasm around what they are really eager to perform. This week, you’ll feel inclined to change your usual dietary behaviors. If you intend to keep a balanced desire, eat nutritious foods.
Virgo
Ganesha says establishing any commercial or economic obligations this week is highly advised. Your seventh quarter demonstrates a deficiency of power on Wednesday and Thursday. Be happy with what occurs easily this week. Your partner will do one more chore just to make you feel wonderful. Your partner will wow you by showing their affection in novel ways. At a certain moment, you’ll stop shoving folks away from you. Your fitness will make you feel a little bit lighter this week. You’ll be able to forever put a stop to your migraines.
Libra
Ganesha says, you need to concentrate on the investment you acquired a long period before this week. Additionally, a completely alternative income arrangement will be available to you. Ensure sure you’re familiar with the most recent fashions. Your partner will ask you to devote long-term later on this week. Invest more quality with your partner talking about how you think about the relationship. Avoiding speedy decisions about your romantic life might have tragic consequences. Your knowledge of your own condition has been beginning to decline. Do not repeat the identical error because you will lament it in the future.
Scorpio
Ganesha says your profits will increase this week, according to the tenth sector. Regardless of if they regret their choices, those who have recently made investments have moved in the correct direction. This week, your amorous dreams will spring fulfilled in every way. Your companion will be interested in hearing your account of events. Your meeting will make the week better. You’ll need to focus extra concentration this week on the young children living in your home. Ensure to have your regular appointment if you’re anticipating a child.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says your luck will come your way this week if you donate to charity. You’ll be requested to offer assistance this week on a lengthy job. Addressing constitutional problems in corporations will benefit people. All of your collaborators’, business associates’ and your own misconceptions will be dispelled this week. This week, someone will become involved in your connection to help you grow nearer to your partner. Be appreciative to the person. Your health will need some care this week. Your ingestion of sodium and carbohydrates will be out of proportion, which will cause your pulse rate to be out of equilibrium. Make sure you take care of yourself.
Capricorn
Ganesha says this week is a great one to organize a business event. In the big scheme of things, capital organization will produce gains. This week, you’ll approach out to people using your new market campaigns, and you’ll nearly surely get a favorable response. Be free to reveal yourself right now. Jupiter is in an advantageous situation, so you should benefit from it. Husbands and wives are travelling this week to break up the routine of their daily life. The senior and older adults in your household will require more care this week. Your fitness, however, will be alright. Be sure to safeguard yourself.
Aquarius
Ganesha says you will definitely carve out availability for the right opportunity this week. You could think of completely switching careers, but this is a dangerous course of action. It will prove too challenging for you to comprehend if you don’t go gently and undertake significant modifications. You must stop waiting for your unrequited love to approach you. You must be straightforward in articulating what is on your mind, allowing the phrase to argue on its own. The only way to reach their emotions is to be genuine. You’ll have a typical workweek this week. This week won’t have any highs and lows, and neither will it have any boring periods.
Pisces
Ganesha says think about your company right now and what changes you may make to strengthen your stance and set yourself apart from the competitors. Your employees will appreciate you for providing a decent company. This week, circumstances involving you and your companion will still get a bit more challenging. Keep a modest character and attend to their issues first. Because they will sense supportive feelings, letting them talk can improve your relationship. This week, you’ll begin a new routine. You’ll also ask a friend or someone from your household for guidance on your routine.
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For an expanse of blue, with air so clean
On International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (September 7), there is urgent need to address risks posed by pollution
- By Benno Boer, Srishti Kumar, Neha Midha
“The world is not just grappling with climate change, but also with another silent killer — air pollution. Global health statistics reveal a disturbing scenario with lung cancer claiming 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020, as stated in the World Health Organization (WHO) factsheet published in 2023. This could soar by another 3.2 million by 2050 according to a report, ‘Mapping of global, regional and national incidence, mortality and mortality-to-incidence ratio of lung cancer in 2020 and 2050’, by the Indian National Institute of Health. South Asia, home to two billion people, is also home to nine of the world’s 10 most polluted cities, including Delhi, where the air quality continues to pose a perilous long-term threat putting its inhabitants at risk each day. While policy measures have led to statistical improvements in the Air Quality Index (AQI), the health risks associated with Delhi’s polluted air persist. Delhi is knocked to its knees every winter facing hazardous levels of air pollution.”
Youngsters around the world are taking charge of environmental advocacy, running marathons, and tracking real time data of air quality, creating environmental awareness. But the absence of a specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for ‘Clean Air to Breathe’ indicates a lack of global attention.
Dr. Benno Boer According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the earth has entered the era of global boiling. Scorching heatwaves, devastating floods and erratic weather patterns are stark reminders for an urgent need to address the triple-planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution.
The world is not just grappling with climate change, but also with another silent killer — air pollution. Global health statistics reveal a disturbing scenario with lung cancer claiming 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020, as stated in the World Health Organization (WHO) factsheet published in 2023. This could soar by another 3.2 million by 2050 according to a report, ‘Mapping of global, regional and national incidence, mortality and mortality-to-incidence ratio of lung cancer in 2020 and 2050’, by the Indian National Institute of Health. South Asia, home to two billion people, is also home to nine of the world’s 10 most polluted cities, including Delhi, where the air quality continues to pose a perilous long-term threat putting its inhabitants at risk each day. While policy measures have led to statistical improvements in the Air Quality Index (AQI), the health risks associated with Delhi’s polluted air persist. Delhi is knocked to its knees every winter facing hazardous levels of air pollution.
Lung cancer, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory ailments, and mental health issues continue to destroy lives. Delhi’s air, a lethal mix of SO2 (sulphur dioxide) and NOX (nitrogen oxides), along with high particulate matter concentrations (2.5 or even 10µg/m3), carbon monoxide and ozone, deprive over 30 million residents of their human right to breathe clean air.
The air pollution toll is troublesome especially for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, children, and the elderly. As per a Lancet Report, 1.67 million pollution-related deaths were attributed to air pollution in India in 2019, accounting for a staggering 17.8% of the total deaths in the country.
Efforts to combat this crisis are already being made. State governments, research institutions, and NGOs are pioneering solutions such as the PUSA Decomposer, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), employing biotechnology to address agricultural pollution. State-level policies such as GRAP 3 (Graded Rapid Action Plan), monitoring air quality in hotspots, and establishing Green War Rooms, have shown some potential. Many innovative startups involving young entrepreneurs are turning agricultural waste into valuable products.
Viable solutions
Acknowledging the existence of air pollution remains the primary step towards solutions. Next comes a debate on viable solutions and actions, many of which are already known. Eventually, these best practices need to be implemented. Without implementation, the best laid out plans will not lead to any improvement. Globally, cities such as Ljubljana (Slovenia), Accra (Ghana), Seville (Spain), Bogota (Colombia), Medellin (Colombia), epitomize the power of prioritizing human health and environmental sustainability. Car-free zones, green spaces, smart urban designs, electrified public transportation, nature-based solutions, and innovative biotechnology demonstrate positive results. China’s shift to clean energy and e-mobility after battling severe pollution, Indonesia’s project on ‘Carbon Efficient Farming’ assessing biomass to reduce CO2 emissions, Thailand and Vietnam undertaking measures to reduce open straw burning, are all gleams of hope.
UNESCO’s initiatives to combat air pollution include implementing an internal carbon tax on all flight tickets, and investing in emission reduction measures. The World Air Quality Project allows residents to make informed decisions by real time Air Quality data. In collaboration with UNEP, environmentally conscious practices have been introduced such as digital working via the ‘Virtual Meetings’ project. Clean-Air-For-Schools is spreading education among all for clean air. Other laudable activities include switching to electric vehicles, replacing lighting systems to greener LED arrangements, implementing solar powered offices, protecting historical sites by developing strategies to curb air pollution, and effective green solutions ( urban forests, parks, green corridors).
Youngsters around the world are taking charge of environmental advocacy, running marathons, and tracking real time data of air quality, creating environmental awareness. But the absence of a specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for ‘Clean Air to Breathe’ indicates a lack of global attention.
However, in 2019, laying emphasis on the interest of the international community for clean air, and the need to improve air quality, the UN General Assembly decided to designate September 7 as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. Nevertheless, clean air remains a long stride in many mega-cities and other places. We hope that a concerted action to systematically improve the air quality including in Delhi will receive priority attention. The problem has been caused by people, so it should be people who will find and apply solutions, supported by innovative adequate air quality policies and action plans. As we inhale the consequences of our actions, the ultimate question beckons: are we the torchbearers of change for the future of our planet or will we be silent bystanders who let pollution script a tragic ending?
(Benno Böer is the Chief of the Natural Sciences Unit, UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Neha Midha is the National Programme Officer, UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Srishti Kumar is a UNESCO Natural Sciences Intern. UNESCO is a member of Team UN in India, together helping deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals)