Lahore tops World’s most polluted cities; Indian cities not far behind
Lahore has again been ranked the most polluted city in the world, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 228, deemed "very unhealthy," according to IQAir's latest global air quality report. The rankings reveal that air pollution remains a significant issue, with two Indian cities, New Delhi and Mumbai, also among the top ten.
The primary pollutant in Lahore, as well as in New Delhi, is PM2.5, fine particulate matter known for its severe health risks. In New Delhi, which ranks second, the AQI stands at 206, and the city battles worsening air quality each winter due to dropping temperatures, crop stubble burning in nearby areas, and festive celebrations.
Other cities in the top ten include Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Tel Aviv (Israel), and Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia). IQAir has advised residents of these cities, including those in India, to limit outdoor activities and take precautions such as wearing masks to mitigate the effects of pollution.
As air quality remains a challenge globally, these rankings highlight the urgent need for stronger pollution control measures, especially in densely populated urban areas.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
