80% Delhi-NCR households have one or more individuals struggling due to toxic air: Survey
New Delhi (PTI):Eight in 10 Delhi-NCR households have one or more individuals who faced difficulty with toxic air in the last four weeks, while four in 10 households had four or more individuals falling sick due to it, according to a survey by LocalCircles.
The survey asked residents on Delhi NCR, "How many members of your household (including kids) in Delhi NCR have struggled with toxic air or pollution in the last four weeks?"
Out of 18,253 Delhi NCR residents who responded to the question, 36 per cent said four or more individuals in their household have been affected by the toxic air in the last four weeks.
At least 21 one per cent indicated two to three members in their household were affected, while the same percentage of respondents indicated one individual was facing pollution-related issues.
The survey received over 53,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad.
Of the total, 61 per cent respondents were men, while 39 per cent respondents were women.
LocalCircles is a digital community-based platform.
A blanket of smog has persisted over the city since Diwali, with air quality oscillating between the "poor" and "very poor" categories, and occasionally slipping into the "severe" zone.
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Karnataka's BioEconomy reaches USD 39.2 billion, says report
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka's BioEconomy has reached USD 39.2 billion in 2025, marking strong growth from previous years and reaffirming the state's leadership position nationally, according to an official report released on Monday.
The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), under the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, unveiled the Karnataka BioEconomy Report 2025 in collaboration with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises.
The report that was released by IT Minister Priyank Kharge stated that the state contributes around 21 per cent of India's BioEconomy and accounts for over 10 per cent of Karnataka's GSDP.
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According to the report, the BioEconomy has expanded from USD 31.0 billion in 2023, reflecting 26.5 per cent cumulative growth, and is now adding nearly USD 10 billion every quarter to the state's GDP.
BioPharma remains the anchor with over 40 per cent share (about USD 16.44 billion), driven by biologics, biosimilars, vaccines and diagnostics, it said.
"BioIndustrial biotechnology has emerged as the fastest-growing segment (about USD 11.46 billion, around 29 per cent share), led by fermentation-based industries, biofuels, enzymes and sustainable materials," the report stated.
BioServices accounts for about 25.8 per cent share, while BioAgri contributes to sustainable agriculture and input innovation, it added.
The report said BioEconomy growth is becoming increasingly multi-regional. While Bengaluru Urban accounts for about 54 per cent of the state's BioEconomy, Mysuru contributes around 8.7 per cent, while Belagavi and Dakshina Kannada together account for over 9 per cent. Northern districts remain the Agri-biotechnology belt.
As many as 218 new biotech startups were added in 2025, taking the cumulative total to 1,451 startups, with over 75 per cent focused on life sciences and health-tech. Bengaluru accounts for about 54 per cent of startups, it stated.
Between January 2024 and October 2025, the report stated that Karnataka attracted USD 1.14 billion across around 40 deals spanning BioPharma, MedTech, precision fermentation, digital health and AgriBio.
Minister Kharge said, "With our BioEconomy crossing USD 39 billion and contributing over 10 per cent to our GSDP, biotechnology is no longer confined to laboratories - it is now a central driver of economic growth, industrial innovation and societal impact."
He said that the state government's focus is on building a full-spectrum biomanufacturing economy by supporting deep-tech startups, strengthening innovation infrastructure, and ensuring that growth reaches beyond Bengaluru to every region of the state.
