Current Affair 1:

News:

Millions of people in the Indo-Gangetic plain and Himalayan foothills face persistent exposure to hazardous air, with recent levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reported as high as 20 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) daily recommended limit.

To address this public health crisis, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has unveiled an Air Quality Dashboard, a public platform offering real-time and forecasted data on air pollution.

Between November 1-21, 2024, the dashboard recorded daily PM2.5 concentrations peaking at 300 µg/m³ in certain areas — 20 times higher than the WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³. These levels pose severe health risks, underscoring the urgency of regional cooperation to tackle transboundary pollution.

As per the ICIMOD, Transboundary pollution remains a significant challenge in the Indo-Gangetic plain and Himalayan foothills, affecting millions across South Asia.

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