NDMC on its toes to curb the rising air pollution NDMC on its toes to curb the rising air pollution Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti November 9, 2023 The Times of India Environmental Health, Air pollution New Delhi Municipal Corporation is actively taking the following steps to curb the rising air pollution: Designation of 14 sites for dumping and demolition of construction wastes . Deployment of seven GPS- enabled Mechanical road sweepers to cover 280-330 km/day to ensure mandatory cleaning Installation of 18 water sprinklers Operationalization of 67 of the 100 electric vehicles , for cutting down on air pollutants. Plantation of more tree saplings and shrubs. Implementation of the revised Graded Response Action Plan under stage II (‘Very Poor’ Air Quality), as per the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) order, is under action from 21st October 2023.

Earth with Faith: Interfaith Harmony Week Earth with Faith: Interfaith Harmony Week Content Editor: Dr. Gopika February 19, 2024 United Nations Environment Programme Interfaith, Climate change, SDG February 1-7 every year is observed as World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) It was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 Mutual apprehension & interreligious dialogue account for important dimensions of a culture of peace and non-violence. The General Assembly established WIHW as a way to encourage harmony between all people, irrespective of faith. Religious & spiritual communities are key to fighting against climate change and achieving SDGs. The UNEP promotes faith-based organizations to work collectively with them. They’re working against erratic climate events by: Spreading the science of climate change through preachers Transforming worship places into renewable infrastructure Advocating for climate justice Promoting tree-growing projects The concept was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the UN in 2010 The proposal was adopted by the General Assembly after acknowledging the immediate need to foster better relationships between different religious groups This observance offers a platform for people to come together & celebrate their differences in a world frequently divided by religious conflicts & misunderstandings The various activities done during this week include: Cultural exchange Interfaith dialogue & discussions Community service projects Click here to read more.

Second round of polio vaccination in Gaza to aim vaccinate over half a million children Second round of polio vaccination in Gaza to aim vaccinate over half a million children Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar October 28, 2024 WHO Vaccination, international health A minimum of two doses of nOPV2 are needed to interrupt poliovirus transmission which can be achieved if at least 90% of all children are vaccinated in community and neighborhoods. To boost overall immunity among children aged between 2 and 9 years, vitamin A will also be co-administered along with polio vaccine in this round. This is a part of emergency efforts to stop the polio outbreak which was detected on 16 July 2024, which is being conducted by Palestinian ministry of health in collaboration with World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations Relief And Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees and other partners. Humanitarian pause will be a prerequisite to implement a successful second round and to ensure a safe and secure environment for polio workers, communities and families to obtain vaccination without fear. Click here to read more.

Millions approaching famine in Somalia require aid; $2.6 billion appeal launched Millions approaching famine in Somalia require aid; $2.6 billion appeal launched Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur April 20, 2023 UN News Global Health, Famine, Food Insecurity Somalia pushed to a historic draught due to five poor rainy seasons sequentially, said Mr. Abdemoula in Geneva. The crises puts affected areas to a risk of famine. 21 died and 100,000 people displaced in March as seasonal rains caused floods. The Shabelle and Juba rivers in Ethiopian highlands could flood farmlands. Climate change is the culprit, according to the Humanitarian Coordinator. It produces erratic cycles of flooding and drought . Somalia is actually suffering the most from the climate disaster despite doing barely anything to cause it.