Cleaner fuel push in rural India needs more energy
Women's access to clean energy and gender equality are intrinsically related, as transition to clean energy provides greater opportunities for women to improve their economic and physical well-being. The gender-energy nexus is central to the framework of the global sustainable development goals, notably those linked to poverty (SDG 1), health and well-being (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), climate change (SGD 13), and most importantly, affordable and clean energy (SDG 7)—for the promotion of gender equality.
Yet, 2.4 billion people globally lack access to clean energy for cooking and rely on wood, charcoal, coal, animal waste, etc, as highlighted by a 2023 UN Women report titled 'Gender equality in the sustainable energy transition.' Women bear a substantial burden of this energy poverty, which is inextricably linked to other time and labour-consuming activities, as well as their safety. Indoor air pollution (IAP), a major contributor to environmental pollution, disproportionately affects women and children due to their greater exposure to such environments. The World Health Organization reported 3.2 million deaths per year due to IAP in 2020. In India, the number stands at 5,00,000 deaths per year, with women and children making up a significant proportion of the number both globally and in India.
Further, women spend a considerable amount of their time on unpaid and care work, including time spent in forest and firewood collection across different geographical regions, which limits their employment opportunities. The Time Use Survey, 2024 released recently by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI),reported the amount of time spent in unpaid domestic activities by women has reduced from 315 minutes in per day 2019 to 305 minutes in 2024. A total of 140 minutes per day was spent on caregiving activities in 2024. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has the potential to be a significant game changer in reducing women's time spent on unpaid and care work, and in ameliorating health inequities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
New Covid variant 'Nimbus': Symptoms, vaccine response, and why it causes painful 'razor blade throat'
New Covid variant Nimbus symptoms: A new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed "Nimbus," is spreading globally, including in the US and Asia. While more transmissible, it doesn't appear more dangerous. A key symptom is a severe sore throat, described as "razor blade throat," alongside typical symptoms like congestion, fatigue, and fever. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What Is the New Covid Variant Nimbus Symptom? New Covid Variant Nimbus: What Are Other Symptoms? Nasal congestion or a runny nose Fatigue Mild cough Fever Muscle or body aches Headaches Diarrhoea Nausea or vomiting Loss of taste or smell Shortness of breath New Covid Variant Nimbus: How Is It Different? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Covid Variant Nimbus: Should You Be Worried? Spread across regions and airports New Covid Variant Nimbus: What WHO is saying? New Covid Variant Nimbus Vaccines ( Originally published on Jun 18, 2025 ) A new Covid-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1, or informally 'Nimbus,' is spreading across parts of the United States and Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) said on May 28 that the rise in cases has been seen mainly in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions. While the variant is believed to spread more easily, it does not appear to cause more severe illness compared to previous of the most talked-about symptoms of the Nimbus variant is a very painful sore throat, often called " razor blade throat ". People have described the feeling as similar to swallowing glass or razor blades. Reports suggest that this symptom appears to be more intense than those caused by earlier variantsPeople infected with the Nimbus variant have also reported the following symptoms:Less commonly, some patients are also experiencing:Doctors say that the main difference with this variant is the severity of the sore throat. While past variants also caused throat pain, this one seems to cause more intense discomfort. The sore throat comes from irritation caused by infection in the throat's many experts believe the overall set of symptoms still matches those of previous Covid-19 far, there is no strong evidence that Nimbus leads to more serious illness. But those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised might still face higher risks, especially for breathing variant made up nearly 11% of globally sequenced samples by mid-May, according to WHO. U.S. airport screenings detected the variant in travellers arriving from affected regions into California, Washington, Virginia, and New WHO has said that although some western Pacific countries have reported more Covid cases and hospitalizations, there is no current evidence showing that the Nimbus variant causes more severe WHO has classified Nimbus as a 'variant under monitoring' and stated that it poses a low risk to global public health. Existing Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said last month that Covid-19 shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. The announcement was immediately questioned by several public health experts.(Inputs from agencies)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Coronavirus Symptoms: 'Razor blade' sore throat: New COVID symptom everyone's talking about, explained in detail
'Nimbus' is on the rise. No, it's not the Harry Potter broom that we are talking about. It's the new COVID-19 variant around the block. Since early June, reports have emerged of a strikingly painful sore throat associated with the Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1, unofficially dubbed Nimbus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The new COVID variant is already causing a surge, and symptoms of the infection are being dubbed as 'Razor blade', implying a severe sore throat that feels like 'razor blades'. The fresh wave of panic: The new COVID-19 variant, designated NB.1.8.1 and informally known as 'Nimbus', has been causing a notable increase in cases across Asia and prompting monitoring from the World Health Organization (WHO). This variant is characterized by a particularly severe sore throat symptom described as feeling like 'razor blades', alongside traditional flu-like symptoms such as congestion, fatigue, mild cough, fever, and muscle aches. Less common symptoms include diarrhea and nausea. The symptoms have been described in dramatic terms like 'Swallowing shattered glass,' 'Like razor blades' in the throat, and a sharp, stabbing pain with every swallow. Already comprising over 10% of cases in Asia, the variant has also been detected in the United States of America, Canada, and Europe. A preprint study indicates that Nimbus has high immune evasion, suggesting potential for widespread transmission. However, WHO maintains that the current global risk is low and existing vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness. The rise of 'razor blade throat': In the United States of America, Nimbus now accounts for approximately 37% of sequenced cases as of early June, and about 11% globally by mid-May, as reported by Associated Press. Although up to 70% of COVID infections include sore throat, according to UCSF, and severe throat pain appears with multiple variants, patients infected with the Nimbus variant have reported an intense sore throat, often described as feeling like swallowing shards of glass, reports have said citing doctors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The intensity of the symptom might vary – it can be mild for some, but excruciating for others – impacting their ability to talk, swallow, eat, or stay hydrated. However, the sharp pain in the throat can be so severe that it hinders speaking, eating, or staying hydrated. While sore throat has always varied in intensity among COVID-19 patients, the Nimbus variant has brought this symptom to the forefront due to its severity. Health authorities are still evaluating how common and unique this intense sore throat is with Nimbus versus earlier strains. 'Feels like broken glasses… razor blades' Patients suffering from the infection of the Nimbus strain have been reporting online about their experience with the 'razor blade' symptom, saying, 'Feels like broken glasses… razor blades.' For those experiencing the painful throat associated with the Nimbus variant, several remedies may provide relief: Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen can help alleviate throat pain and reduce inflammation. Warm saltwater gargle: Gargling with warm saltwater can soothe the throat and may help reduce viral load. Throat lozenges and sprays: Products containing menthol or benzocaine can numb the throat and provide temporary relief. Hydration: drinking warm liquids like herbal teas or broths can keep the throat moist and alleviate discomfort. Humidifiers: Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, preventing the throat from becoming dry and irritated. Apart from these convenient remedies, it's essential to monitor symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if throat pain persists or worsens. While the Nimbus variant presents a new challenge with its painful throat symptoms, understanding the condition and taking appropriate measures can help manage and alleviate discomfort. Although most cases of the Nimbus variant result in mild illness, certain signs indicate the need for medical evaluation. If the throat pain or other symptoms do not improve or worsen over time, or you experience shortness of breath or chest tightness, coupled with a fever that remains above 100°F (37.8°C) for several days – you must consult with a professional healthcare provider. Individuals with underlying health conditions, the elderly, or those who are pregnant should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms arise. Watch! Former AIIMS Chief Dr. Randeep Guleria reveals shocking truth about COVID-19 JN.1 variant
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
What to know about the COVID variant that may cause 'razor blade' sore throats
The COVID-19 variant that may be driving a recent rise in cases in some parts of the world has earned a new nickname: 'razor blade throat' COVID. That's because the variant — NB.1.8.1. or 'Nimbus' — may cause painful sore throats. The symptom has been identified by doctors in the United Kingdom, India and elsewhere, according to media outlets in those countries. Other COVID-19 symptoms of any variant include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. Experts say there isn't major cause for concern with the Nimbus variant, but here 's what else you need to know about it. Here's where the variant causing 'razor blade throat' is spreading The rise in cases late last month is primarily in eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions, the World Health Organization said May 28. The new variant had reached nearly 11% of sequenced samples reported globally in mid-May. Airport screening in the United States detected the new variant in travelers arriving from those regions to destinations in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York. You aren't likely to get sicker from this variant than others Not so far, anyway. The WHO said some western Pacific countries have reported increases in COVID cases and hospitalizations, but there's nothing so far to suggest that the disease associated with the new variant is more severe compared to other variants. COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Nimbus variant Yes. The WHO has designated Nimbus as a 'variant under monitoring' and considers the public health risk low at the global level. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced last month that COVID-19 shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women — a move immediately questioned by public health experts.
