Ashmita Gupta

2 weeks ago | thehindu.com | Ashmita Gupta

Bengaluru: Ambient air pollution is responsible for 7.2% of deaths in major Indian cities every year. There’s reason to believe airborne particulate matter can cut the life expectancy of Indians by up to five years. But traffic-related pollution is usually much worse than what urban sensors report. Researchers have estimated commuting takes up only around 8% of a person’s day but accounts for 33% of their pollution exposure.

Feb 26, 2025 | thehindu.com | Ashmita Gupta

According to new research led by researchers at Stanford University in the US, coal-fired power plants are quietly depleting India’s rice and wheat output, destroying up to 10% of the yield in several states. The emissions from coal power plants include carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, fly ash, soot, suspended particulate matter, and other trace gases. These pollutants have been linked to smog, acid rain, eutrophication and various other environmental burdens.

Jan 15, 2025 | weather.com | Ashmita Gupta

A dam in Karnataka. (Madhusudhan R/TOI, BCCL, Mysuru)Intense northeast monsoon rains damaged the sugarcane and fresh rice crop in various parts of Tamil Nadu this time around, somewhat marring the Pongal festivities for the state’s farmers. On a brighter note, the rainfall seems to have filled up the reservoirs that were languishing in deficiencies at the same time last year.

Nov 7, 2024 | businessinsider.in | Ashmita Gupta

Nov 8, 2024By: [email protected]: BCCLThe toxic foam in the Yamuna results from untreated industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage that enters the river, creating a chemical reaction and causing frothing​. Credit: BCCLThe foam is hazardous, as it contains high levels of phosphates and surfactants, which pose risks to people who come into contact with the water. It is common to see people bathing in the polluted waters at this time of year.

Nov 7, 2024 | businessinsider.in | Ashmita Gupta

New research reveals that prolonged sitting, even with the recommended daily exercise, can accelerate aging and increase health risks for millennials. But is standing any better?