What happened?

An analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) revealed that Delhi faced a surge in air pollution from November 1 to November 15 owing to increased stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This period aligns with the end of the southwest monsoon when cold and dry air traps pollutants.

In response, the Supreme Court has called on the Central and Punjab governments to take decisive action, emphasizing that stubble fires must be stopped even if "somebody has to walk on coal" for that. It also directed the government to get the smog towers repaired.

Why do stubble-burning incidents rise in this season?

Around a decade ago, Delhi's November air pollution levels were notably lower. The change can be attributed to the enactment of the Preservation of Subsoil Water Act in 2009 by Punjab and Haryana, meant to safeguard groundwater by confining cultivation to the monsoon months.

However, this resulted in a shorter three-week gap between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat for farmers. So, they opt for stubble burning, a quick, cheap, yet harmful solution. Satellite data indicates a shift in burning patterns, with a decrease in fires in October and an increase in November.

Why does it matter?

Stubble burning contributes significantly to Delhi NCR's air pollution, constituting 24.5% of PM 2.5 pollution, according to Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. The November Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds the WHO's safe limit by 80 to 100 times. Such hazardous pollution levels have forced many to abandon outdoor activities, affecting their daily lives. In 2015 alone, over 66,000 deaths were linked to stubble burning.

It also kills the bacterial and fungal populations critical for soil fertility.

Studies indicate a rapid decline in groundwater levels in Punjab and Haryana despite implementing the Water Preservation Act. In a recent video, I explained why Punjab provided farmers with free water and electricity for electoral advantages.

Indian scientists are gearing up for a cloud-seeding effort to artificially induce rains in specific areas of New Delhi. The goal is to reduce the smog gripping the world's most polluted capital.

Diwali festivities also bring a dual challenge: firecrackers add to the pollution, whereas local businesses suffer from decreased footfall due to environmental disruptions. Thus, the Chamber of Trade and Industry has called for government intervention.

What's next?

SC urged the government to combat pollution and gradually phase out paddy cultivation in Punjab. Bhartiya Kisan Union stated that Punjab farmers are ready to move away from paddy if guaranteed an equally high purchase price for other crops.

The Punjab Government is offering subsidies on crop residue management machines, like surface seeders. It mandates brick kilns to use stubble as fuel. Additionally, state governments should collaborate with farmers to implement the Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technique, which has been proven to cut water usage by 20-30%.

Dose of Positivity

India's most generous hearts

Donations from wealthy individuals surged by 50% to reach Rs 8,445 crore in 2023, making it a record year for philanthropy.

According to the Edelgive Hurun India Philanthropy List, technology giants like Shiv Nadar of HCL Technologies and Azim Premji from Wipro stand out for their substantial acts of kindness. Nadar donates Rs 5.6 crore daily and focuses mainly on Education, Arts and Culture. He has surpassed the combined generosity of eight of his top 10 counterparts, including India's richest man- Mukesh Ambani! Premji, the second most generous Indian, increased his contributions by an impressive 267% compared to the previous year.  Notably, education has become the most favoured cause, with 75 philanthropists contributing over ₹1,200 crores.

Apart from Nandan Nilekani, his wife Rohini made it to the top 10. They together invest in societal development and institutions, but she also supports people tackling local issues.

However, a new generation of philanthropists, like the Kamath brothers of Zerodha, are making waves by giving away personal wealth for causes like climate and sustainability. Nikhil Kamath has even signed 'The Giving Pledge', founded by Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, to donate half of his wealth.

The cumulative personal donations have seen a 60% increase, which calls for celebration.

Bonus section

A good posture can do wonders!

Have you ever been told to straighten your back or scolded for slouching at work? Though it might annoy you, it's actually good advice.

Engaging in high-power poses can make you feel assertive and more open to challenges. When you strike such poses, your body is open and relaxed, not closed or guarded like in low-power poses. A classic example of a high-power pose is the famous "Wonder Woman" stance – standing confidently with your chest out and hands on hips.

Amy Cuddy, a researcher at Harvard University, discovered that good posture physically changes your body's hormones and behaviours. It increases testosterone (a hormone associated with self-esteem and confidence) by 20% and reduces cortisol (a stress-inducing hormone) by 25%. A good posture also improves oxygen flow and helps reduce strain on the neck and back, which can positively impact brain health.

So, stand straight, pull in your tummy, lift your head, and smile at everyone you meet. Because your behaviours and emotions are strongly linked. That is why strong leaders not only think a certain way but also carry themselves in a certain way. Follow their lead!

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