Latest news with #Vardhan
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Parliamentary proceedings: Only one in five cities have achieved NCAP targets
Only about one in five of India's most polluted cities funded under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) have reduced their particulate matter levels to targeted levels, according to data shared by the Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 212, 2025). The NCAP, which was launched in 2019, originally aimed for a 20%-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024, on the 2017 baseline levels. However, in 2022, the target was revised to achieve up to a 40% reduction in PM10 levels, with no targets for PM 2.5, or to meet national standards (60 µg/m³) by 2025-26. Out of 130 cities, 48 million-plus cities/urban agglomerations (population greater than a million) are funded under the 15th Finance Commission Million Plus City Challenge Fund as an air quality performance grant, and the remaining 82 cities are funded under Control of Pollution Scheme of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Performance-linked grant of ₹13,036.52 crore was provided to 130 cities for critical gap funding. With the deadline for achieving targets set for March 2026, data shared by the Environment Ministry shows that with reference to the 2017-18 baseline, only 25 of the 130 cities have achieved a minimum 40% reduction in PM10 as of 2024-25. On the other hand, there are also 25 cities that have reported an increase in PM10 levels when compared with 2017-18. The four cities with the sharpest improvement (reduction) in particulate matter levels are Bareilly (76%), Varanasi (74.3%), and Firozabad (59.5%) in Uttar Pradesh, and Dehradun (57.2%) in Uttarakhand. 'There has been notable improvement in PM10 levels in major Indian cities,' Mr. Vardhan said in his response in the Lok Sabha. 'Mumbai has shown improvement in PM10 levels with a 44% reduction in 2024-25 compared to FY2017-18, followed by Kolkata (37%), Delhi (15%), and Chennai (12%). PM10 data in respect of 2017-18 and 2024-25 and per cent improvement in PM10 concentrations of Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai in FY 2024-25 w.r.t. FY 2017-18. These improvements reflect the positive impact of various air quality improvement measures implemented under NCAP,' the Minister said. In all, 103 cities had shown a reduction in PM10 concentration in 2024-25 with respect to 2017-18, and 22 had achieved the 40% target as well as kept annual concentrations below 60 µg/m³, the statement said.
Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Netflix's Adolescence shows us the teenage meltdowns we're failing to understand
Episode 3 of Adolescence on Netflix stands out for its raw portrayal of teenage vulnerability, especially through the character Jamie, whose erratic outbursts, sudden withdrawal, and emotional spiral leave psychologist Briony Ariston as well as the viewers concerned and unsettled. We watch as Briony tries to understand Jamie's perception of masculinity and his attitudes towards women. His behaviour shifts rapidly — from bursts of rage to friendliness to hatred — painting a picture that feels all too familiar in today's high-pressure, hyper-connected environment. Jamie's unraveling isn't just a dramatic plot point — it reflects a growing pattern among many young people navigating emotional overload, identity confusion, and a constant need for validation. His reactions raise important questions about the unseen struggles behind impulsive behaviour, sudden mood changes, and emotional volatility in youth. What could cause a teenager like Jamie to shift between extreme emotional states so quickly, and is this becoming more common today? Dr Arohi Vardhan, child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cadabams Hospitals, tells 'Emotional volatility in adolescence isn't uncommon, but when it becomes extreme, as in Jamie's case, it often signals underlying emotional dysregulation. This can be linked to a teenager's developing identity, their desire for autonomy, and their struggle to find meaning in situations they don't yet have the tools to process.' What we're noticing more today is how overstimulating the environment around teenagers has become, Dr Vardhan notes. 'Whether it's the speed at which they receive information or the constant demand to present a curated version of themselves, the intensity of daily life can leave them feeling emotionally overloaded. In some cases, this builds up and spills over in unpredictable ways — what we see as 'erratic' may actually be a response to unacknowledged or misunderstood internal conflict.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix UK & Ireland (@netflixuk) Factors that contribute to the kind of mental distress shown in Jamie's behaviour Factors such as social media, academics and family carry their own weight, Dr Vardhan states, but together they can create an emotional environment that's hard to navigate for a young person like Jamie. Social media often becomes a mirror through which teenagers assess their worth, not just based on likes or comments, but on constant exposure to idealised lifestyles. She continues, 'Add to this, the fear of academic failure and the expectation to constantly perform, and it becomes difficult for adolescents to simply be themselves. If family life is inconsistent or emotionally distant, it removes the sense of safety and grounding that every teen needs. Jamie's behaviour reflects what happens when a young person lacks consistent emotional anchors, the inner chaos begins to show outwardly.' Signs to look out for when trying to understand whether a young person's erratic behaviour is a call for help Dr Vardhan explains, 'One of the most overlooked signs is inconsistency.' When a teenager's energy, interests, or temperament change rapidly without a clear reason, it may be an indication that something is going on beneath the surface. 'Other signs include withdrawal from peer groups, sudden changes in self-image, increased conflict at home or school, or a growing sense of apathy or detachment from everyday life,' she says. Teachers often notice subtle academic shifts, reduced participation, irregular attendance, or decreased motivation. Parents might observe increased irritability or emotional shutdowns. Friends may see a shift in how open or expressive someone is. 'These aren't always cries for help, but they're opportunities to pause and check in. A supportive conversation at the right moment can make a world of difference in how that young person chooses to move forward,'c concludes Dr Vardhan.
