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Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
WiFEX: Ten winters and countless hours of fieldwork unravels India's winter fog
The Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX), launched in 2015 at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi, has completed a milestone — ten years of dedicated research into North India's dense winter fog and its impact on daily life and aviation safety. 'The key aim as to generate high quality observational data and develop a reliable resolution fog prediction model. In the next phase, WiFEX-2 will be expanded to other major airports in North India,' Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, GoI said on Tuesday. Dr Ravichandran along with other officials visited the WiFEX and System for Air Quality and Forecasting Research (SAFAR) control room at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) on Tuesday. On the occasion a state-of-the-art atmospheric chemistry laboratory as inaugurated and the website of an Early Career Researchers' Hub for Earth Sciences as also launched. Dr Ravichandran later spoke to media persons about ho accurate forecasts under WiFEX have provided significant operational benefits to airlines including reductions in flight diversions and cancellations. 'Based on this success WiFEX is no progressing to its next phase WiFEX- II and these capabilities ill be expanded to major airports in North India so the advanced instruments can better predict localised fog events at airport runways,' he said. Led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), with support from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), WiFEX is one of the world's fe long-term open- field experiments focused solely on fog — an elusive winter hazard that regularly disrupts air, rail, and road transport across the Indo-Gangetic Plain. What began at IGIA — India's busiest and most fog-affected airport — has grown into a robust observational network now reaching Jewar Airport, Noida, and Hisar, Haryana, covering key aviation corridors across North India. Over the past decade, WiFEX scientists have deployed advanced instruments, micrometeorology towers, ceilometers, and high-frequency sensors to collect detailed data on temperature layers, humidity, wind, turbulence, soil heat, and aerosols — building an unmatched dataset that reveals ho dense fog forms and disperses. 'These insights have powered the development of a high-resolution (3 km) probabilistic fog prediction model, which no stands among the region's most advanced tools for operational forecasting. This model can reliably predict hen fog will begin, ho dense it will be, how long it will last, and when it will clear — achieving more than 85% accuracy for very dense fog (visibility below 200 metres),' Dr. Sachin Ghude, Project Director, WiFEX and SAFAR explained. WiFEX is stepping into its next phase — WiFEX-II — which will extend localised, runway-specific fog predictions to more airports in North India. By in stalling dedicated sensors at additional sites, airport operators will gain real-time data to help them activate response plans and ensure operations remain safe and efficient — even in the thickest fog. 'After ten winters and countless hours of fieldwork, WiFEX is shining example of hat sustained, focused re- search and collaboration can achieve. By connecting observations to models and models to real-world decisions, WiFEX proves that science can clear the path forward,'Dr Suryachandra Rao, Director , IITM added. 'By this November Wi-FEX-2 will be launched at Noida, Jaipur, Varanasi and plans are underway for introducing the systems at Guwahati,' Dr Ghude said. IITM scientists explained that for airlines, pilots, air traffic controllers, and passengers, this means fewer costly diversions, fewer delays, safer runways, and more informed travel during the challenging winter fog season. 'We also need to reduce false alarms and the WiFEX -2 will help us address this pertinent issue,' Dr Ghude added. Meanwhile, at forward locations, the Indian Armed Forces have expressed a need for similar fog prediction solutions, IITMexperts said. They pointed out that while sophisticated instruments are available at IGI Airport in New Delhi, the accuracy of predictions at the requested locations depends on the availability of local weather and cloud data. On the NISAR satellite Dr M Ravichandran, responding to queries on the NISAR satellite – jointly developed by NASA and ISRO and scheduled for launch soon said that they would wait for data. The NISAR satellite will examine water bodies, forest loss and so on. He also said that they were collaborating with ISRO to request the launch of a new satellite. —INSAT-3DS is a dedicated meteorological satellite launched by ISRO to enhance weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities. According to the expert as part of their transition to the fourth-generation series, preparatory work is underway. 'On August 23, we will outline and prioritise our satellite data requirements for weather monitoring. Each sector will be formally informed about these priorities and their relevance,' he said. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
How to ease pollution, gridlock and honking on India's roads
A GAME OF I-spy involving only objects you can find in the middle of a road in London would be rather short. The little eye would spy motorised vehicles, cyclists and the occasional pedestrian (striding briskly to the other side). The same game in Mumbai, however, could take hours. Its carriageways are home not just to pedestrians and parked cars but to utility boxes, construction debris, abandoned roadworks, piles of garbage, makeshift shops, itinerant vendors, trees, cows, dogs and even places of worship. The Indian street is an egalitarian place. It is also filthy, cacophonous and gridlocked. The cost of this is high. Last year, three Indian cities—Kolkata, Bangalore and Pune—made it to the top five in a global index of congestion compiled by TomTom, a maker of navigation software (see table). London ranked fifth, but it is deliberately making its streets less friendly to cars. Average speeds that make glaciers look fast are only part of the problem. India's roads are dangerous, especially to pedestrians. Lots of stopping and starting increases pollution: the contribution of vehicles to Mumbai's emissions doubled in the three years to 2020, according to SAFAR, a government agency, in part because of congestion. Improving roads would speed up travel, reduce noise pollution, cut emissions and increase productivity. How-to-ease-pollution--gridlock-and-honking-on-Ind Urban authorities know this. The problem is that they have tended to respond by building more roads or by widening existing ones—and these strategies have made things worse. New flyovers land at bottlenecks. Pavements get torn up to create more road space, but the trees and utility boxes that sit on them are often left in place, turning carriageways into obstacle courses. Despite extensive road widening, speeds in Mumbai fell by half between 2006 and 2016, according to one study. 'In any Indian city, what is marked as a three-lane road is two lanes at best,' says Pritika Hingorani of Artha Global, a policy shop. Officials in a few places are finally forging a new path. Andhra Pradesh, a southern state, is running a pilot programme in a pair of its cities that involves setting up 'clean-air zones' along the most clogged and polluted arteries. It is building bypasses, but it is also targeting congestion by rationalising parking and by prohibiting heavy vehicles from using the roads at the busiest times of day. Increasing speeds on just a few very busy roads can have a big effect on how long it takes to get around a city, as well as on pollution, says Ms Hingorani, whose outfit is working with the state on the project. Authorities in Bangalore have gone bigger. A decade ago India's tech capital had few pavements, little signage and no lane markings. Since then, the city has overhauled many kilometres of inner-city roads. It has buried pipes and wires in neat conduits; installed wide, smooth pavements; and clearly marked out parking spots and lanes. The number of people choosing to travel on foot in these areas has soared. So has satisfaction among drivers, surveys suggest. Several other cities are planning to replicate the model, says Srikanth Viswanathan of Janaagraha, a non-profit that designed Bangalore's standards. Why is this not yet widespread? Money is part of the problem: for the next phase of its overhaul, Bangalore is considering a cheaper programme more focused on improving pavements. But politics is key. India's cities are run by unelected bureaucrats who serve for just a few years. The real power resides at the state level. And those politicians tend to be more focused on pleasing rural voters than urban ones. In addition, a small number of ornery road users wield outsize power. India has only 34 cars for every 1,000 people; their owners are unusually rich and privileged. These drivers tend not to favour stricter rules or more parking fines. They reflexively oppose schemes, such as bus lanes and cycle paths, that look like they might cause inconvenience—even though these will eventually speed things up. Authorities have to get motoring, regardless. If India wants to get rich, it must fix the engines of its economic growth. Stay on top of our India coverage by signing up to Essential India, our free weekly newsletter.
Broadcast Pro
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
SAFAR Film Festival returns for 10th edition
The festival continues through June 28, wrapping up with the UK premiere of 'Sudan, Remember Us' (2024), directed by Hind Meddeb. The SAFAR Film Festival has returned to the UK for its 10th edition, opening with the newly restored version of Hassan Al-Imam's 1972 Egyptian classic Watch Out for Zouzou, marking its UK premiere at Ciné Lumière in London. The festival, which runs until June 28, continues its mission of bridging cinematic heritage and contemporary Arab storytelling, celebrating both nostalgia and innovation through its selection of films from South West Asia and North Africa. This year's programme reflects a strong interplay between the past and present, aiming to offer audiences a sense of continuity in Arab cinema. In addition to reviving iconic works such as Watch Out for Zouzou, the festival hosts a residency with Egyptian artist Bahia Shehab, who will collaborate with emerging creatives to produce video essays exploring the legacy and evolution of Arab stardom. The closing night will feature the UK premiere of Sudan, Remember Us (2024), directed by Hind Meddeb—a poignant documentary chronicling the lives impacted by the Sudanese conflict. The theme of generational memory and political reckoning resonates throughout the festival, as films span decades, regions, and emotional terrain. One such film, Agora, explores the mystery surrounding three people who return from the dead in a quiet Tunisian town, while Across the Sea traces Nour's life from 1990s Morocco to France, navigating the trials of love and belonging. Urgent present-day realities are depicted in A State of Passion, which follows British Palestinian surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah working in Gaza's overwhelmed emergency hospitals amid relentless bombings. Palestinian stories hold a central place in this edition, with a dedicated strand including a masterclass by celebrated actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri, screenings of archival footage from early 20th-century Palestine accompanied by live music, and a broad spectrum of documentaries, essays, and fiction centered on Palestinian experiences and resistance. The programme also reflects on the traumas of Syria's ongoing crisis with My Memory is Full of Ghosts and commemorates 50 years since the start of Lebanon's civil war with a special online programme curated by Lebanese cultural platform AFLAMUNA. As part of this remembrance, the festival will present a restored screening of the elusive modern classic Phantom Beirut. This year's SAFAR also turns to the land itself as a narrative space, with films and discussions tackling colonial histories (After the Sun) and celebrating environmental storytelling. A selection of short films on biodiversity, curated in partnership with the REEF Film Festival, forms part of a growing eco-conscious strand, led by SAFAR Futures alumni and new assistant curators Amina Ali and Sally Zarzour. In a deeply personal contribution, SAFAR co-founder Saeed Taji Farouky reflects on the recurring motif of ghosts that threads through the festival—from the Egyptian horror classic Fangs to displaced memories and lost homes—and will host a communal tea ritual as a gesture of collective healing and solidarity. Beyond its festival window, SAFAR continues to support Arab cinema's theatrical presence across the UK, offering audiences a chance to revisit or preview key works. This includes access to previously screened titles like Layla, set in a vibrant queer context, as well as early looks at upcoming UK releases such as the introspective Red Path and the festival's closing documentary Sudan, Remember Us. The festival also features a compelling mix of stories highlighting diverse Arab lives and voices: The Tale of Daye's Family follows a young Nubian albino aspiring to sing despite social resistance; The Village Next to Paradise portrays the resilience of Araweelo in Somalia; Thank You for Banking With Us unites two estranged Palestinian sisters pursuing their inheritance; Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo takes viewers through Cairo as Hassan searches for safety for his dog; and Saify offers a darkly comic reflection on capitalism and religion in 1990s Saudi Arabia. Marking a decade of cultural dialogue through film, this edition of SAFAR offers a bold and emotionally resonant panorama of Arab cinema, engaging with memory, identity, resistance, and imagination across generations and borders.
News18
16-05-2025
- Climate
- News18
Breathe With Caution: Understanding The Deteriorating AQI And Tips To Stay Safe
Last Updated: As the AQI reaches dangerous levels in Delhi-NCR, here are some tips on how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. You're not the only one who woke up with an itchy throat or burning eyes. A rapid and severe decline in the air quality of the Delhi-NCR area has caused symptoms such as coughing, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing in many people. Overnight, the national capital's air quality drastically declined, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming levels. According to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) data, the AQI was 249 at 10 AM, which is considered 'poor.' However, real-time AQI measurements exceeded 500 and entered the 'hazardous' zone in several Delhi-NCR areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials revealed that around 10 PM on Wednesday, dust-raising winds blew across the area, causing a significant change in the air quality. As a result of the powerful gusts that mixed up a lot of particulate matter, particularly PM10, the air pollution increased drastically. Even while the trend is improving, the current state of the air is dangerous, particularly for children, the elderly, and people who already have respiratory disorders. Short-term symptoms, including eye discomfort, sore throat, and shortness of breath, can happen to even healthy people. Important Safety Advice You Must Take Right Away Steer clear of outdoor activities Exercise, jogging, and walking can be detrimental when air quality drops to dangerous levels. This may exacerbate symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or dyspnea. While you should also keep windows and doors closed to protect outside air from entering your house, especially in the early morning and late evening, when pollution is at its worst. Drink plenty of water Air pollution can dry up the mucous membranes of your lungs, throat, and nose, leaving you more susceptible to infections and irritation. Water consumption keeps your body hydrated and aids in toxin removal. Use Saline Nasal Spray Saline nasal sprays are a mild yet efficient method of cleaning your nasal passages of allergies, pollutants, and irritants. This can soothe dry or irritable nasal tissues, lessen inflammation, and ease congestion. On days with significant pollution, it's especially beneficial for kids and anyone with sinus issues or allergic rhinitis. Use Air Purifiers During days with high pollution levels, air purifiers are crucial, particularly for vulnerable populations including the elderly, young children, and expectant mothers. These gadgets aid in removing indoor air pollutants and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Make sure the purifier has a HEPA filter and put it in the room where pregnant women, kids, and the elderly spend the most time. Do not disregard prolonged coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, exhaustion, or dyspnea experienced by you or your family members. These might indicate increasing asthma or respiratory discomfort. First Published:
News18
15-05-2025
- Climate
- News18
Delhi Sees Unusual AQI Surge In May; AAP Blames BJP, Environment Minister Responds
Last Updated: A dust storm triggered by gusty winds sweeping through Delhi pushed the AQI above 300 in several areas on Thursday. The storm also led to reduced visibility across the city The Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of Delhi on Thursday crossed 300 due to a severe dust storm that also affected the city's visibility. The opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned the BJP, which had termed the incident an 'extreme weather event". The AQI in several parts of Delhi was above 300 at noon on Thursday, with the highest at Punjabi Bagh (379), followed by Sirifort (369). Jahangirpuri (344), DTU (343), Mathura Road (326), and Alipur (324) were also among the areas with AQI above 300, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Lodhi Road (316), Shadipur (313), RK Puram (304), Mundka (304), NSIT Dwarka (304), and Narela (301) were also affected. It is important to note that, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin, Delhi is among the parts of the country expected to witness strong dust-raising winds (25–35 kmph) on Friday and Saturday. This was also the reason for the AQI drop on Thursday. According to the IMD, the dust storm was triggered by gusty winds sweeping through the region. The storm also impacted visibility. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal posted on X, saying air pollution was never this bad during the AAP regime at this time of year. It is worth noting that air quality in Delhi is usually very poor and severe during the winter months. Atishi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, also posted on the social media platform, stating that the AQI in the city had never been so high in May. 'CPCB's own data shows that from 2022-2024, AQI on May 15 never exceeded 243. Today AQI is at 500. Will BJP take responsibility for the worsening air pollution in Delhi? Where is Delhi's Environment Minister @mssirsa?" she posted on X. Responding to her, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the situation was due to an 'extreme weather event, not misgovernance". 'It's unfortunate that a former CM is using a natural sandstorm to score political points; especially when the real blame lies in a decade of neglect under AAP. Today's AQI spike is due to an extreme weather event, not misgovernance," he explained. FIRST YOU BECAME AAP-DA FOR DELHI NOW YOU ARE TRYING TO FIND AVSAR IN AAPDAIt's unfortunate that a former CM is using a natural sandstorm to score political points; especially when the real blame lies in a decade of neglect under AAP. Today's AQI spike is due to an extreme… — Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) May 15, 2025 The situation raised questions, as the month of May usually witnesses moderate to poor air quality days. According to SAFAR, the average AQI of Delhi was between 400 and 500 — categorised as 'Severe'. The agency uses a dark red colour to indicate the average AQI instead of specific numbers. On Wednesday, SAFAR had said that air quality was likely to be in the 'Moderate' category between May 15 and 17 in Delhi, though it could slip to 'Poor' during the following week. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was in the 'Poor' category (AQI 236) at 8 am. On Wednesday afternoon, Delhi's AQI was at 135 — in the 'Moderate' category, according to CPCB. The AQI classifies air quality as follows: Good (0–50), Satisfactory (51–100), Moderate (101–200), Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), and Severe (401–500).
