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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Will Champai Soren become a game-changer for BJP in Jharkhand polls?
Ranchi: Champai Soren, a prominent figure in Jharkhand’s statehood movement, is contesting the 2024 assembly elections from Seraikela, a seat he has consistently held since 1991.
However, there is a surprising shift in his political journey this year. Having resigned from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) earlier this year, Soren is now representing the BJP, a move that could significantly impact the electoral dynamics in the state.
Soren’s switiching is seen as a strategic benefit for the saffron party, which has been working to expand its appeal among Jharkhand’s tribal communities, a demographic traditionally aligned with the JMM. His departure from the JMM, led by Shibu Soren and his son Hemant Soren, was fueled by dissatisfaction with the state government’s policies, which he claimed had failed to address tribal concerns.
Also known as "Jharkhand’s Tiger" for his instrumental role in the statehood movement of the 1990s, Champai Soren has respect and influence among tribal voters. His decision to switch the party could be a turning point in the BJP’s efforts to gain a stronger hold in a state where tribal votes often decide the outcome.
