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.

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Hindustan Times

19 hours ago

• Hindustan Times

Yoga Day 2025: Shavasana to baddha konasana, 8 best asanas for PCOS

Yoga Day 2025: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a chronic hormonal condition that can result in irregular periods, severe pain and even weight gain – affects up to 6–13 percent women of reproductive age and up to 70 percent of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide, according to World Health Organization. But did you know yoga may be able to help manage PCOS symptoms? Also read | Gynaecologist explains how your menstrual health can reveal early signs of PCOS: 'Heavy bleeding isn't always normal' Yoga Day 2025: Bow pose sends a gentle wave of fresh blood to your head and pelvis, easing tightness in the tummy while providing a mild internal massage (Freepik) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Samiksha Shetty, founder of Rising Loka, said that instead of silently suffering from PCOS, women should be encouraged to make lifestyle changes that could support their health. 'A consistent workout routine which includes yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation, helps balance women's hormones, insulin resistance and blood sugar levels,' she said. Samiksha added, 'Now, you might say any workout can do that. But yoga works on a cellular level as well. Yoga goes way beyond its physical benefits—it helps reduce stress and cortisol levels, which is very important for hormonal health. Yoga can help relieve anxiety, balance hormones, improve menstrual cycles, and rev up your body's metabolism. Also, relaxation is the key to fighting PCOS.' She suggested that a daily calming yoga practice with a focus on stress reduction is a good place to start. However, it is important to understand our body's ability to practice certain asana/yoga flows, she said, and added: 'Not all yoga practices are stress-reducing. Some vigorous practices may stress the body and add to the load on the adrenal glands.' Samiksha added that a regular yoga practice makes us more aware and helps us focus on our breathing patterns. 'Breathing is something so natural to us that we often take it for granted. The three pranayama practices that are beneficial for PCOS are alternate nostril breathing (a subtle energy clearing technique), bhramari pranayama (a humming bee breathing technique), and kapalbhathi pranayama (a breath of fire).' Are there any specific yoga poses that may help with PCOS? Here's what Samiksha suggested: Despite its apparent simplicity, shavasana is one of the most crucial yoga poses. (Freepik) 1. Vyaghra shwasa (tiger breathing) She said, 'You probably know it better as the cat-cow stretch. Done with steady, deep breaths, it eases tightness in your spine, back, and neck, adds movement to those areas, and leaves the whole body feeling calmer.' 2. Malasana (garland pose) aka wide squat pose 'At first glance, this sturdy squat looks easy, yet the comforts of modern life have made it surprisingly tough for many of us. If your heels stubbornly lift, slide a rolled towel, mat or block under them and keep breathing,' she added. 3. Parivrtta trikonasana stretch (revolved triangle breathing) According to Samiksha, gentle twists like this one 'massage the waist, tone the belly and give the reproductive organs a nice boost'. 4. Baddha konasana (bound angle or butterfly pose) Samiksha said, 'Also called 'the butterfly', this seated pose is cherished by women dealing with PCOS and eases cramps and backache during periods and pregnancy. Beyond that it loosens stiff ankles, knees and hips, opens the joint, and finally sparks a much-needed emotional release.' 5. Dhanurasana (bow pose) 'Bow pose sends a gentle wave of fresh blood to your head and pelvis, easing tightness in the tummy while providing a mild internal massage. When done regularly, it builds endurance in the reproductive organs and offers relief from stubborn indigestion and constipation alike,' she added. 6. Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose) According to Samiksha, 'Bridge pose works wonders for achy lower backs, sciatica, and general stiffness in ankles, hips, backs, thighs, and shoulder blades. It also supports reproductive health, broadens lung capacity, and can soothe discomfort during menstruation or throughout pregnancy while firming up the muscles along your spine.' 7. Balasana (pose of the child) She added, 'The child's pose, which encourages relaxation by soothing the central nervous system, is one of the most vital yoga poses for PCOs. In addition, it normalises blood flow throughout the body and reduces PMS symptoms, lower back tension, and menstrual cramps.' 8. Shavasana (pose of the corpse) 'Despite its apparent simplicity, shavasana is one of the most crucial yoga poses. Since we do not perceive the benefits of this pose, many of us avoid it. Your nervous system is balanced by this pose. It facilitates the body's transition into a relaxed and peaceful state. It aids in body cooling and the removal of emotional blockages,' she concluded. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

The Hindu

a day ago

• The Hindu

What you need to know about the ‘razor blade' Covid variant

Covid-19, it seems, can never stay out of the news for very long. One variant of the virus has been making headlines recently for being behind a spike in cases, particularly in China and the United States, and for causing 'razor blade' throats, or a severely painful sore throat. What do you need to know about this? Read on, to find out. The 'razor blade' throat, reports indicate, is being caused by the NB.1.8.1 variant of the virus, an Omicron-descendent variant dubbed as 'Nimbus' and currently accounting for a large number of cases worldwide. On May 23, 2025, the World Health Organization classified this variant as a 'SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM) with increasing proportions globally, while LP.8.1 is starting to decline.' A technical document by the WHO states: 'Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is evaluated as low at the global level. Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.' Symptoms remain similar to those caused by other Covid-19 strains and include fever, a sore throat, cough, runny nose and tiredness. Media reports indicate some patients complaining of a sharp, stabbing pain while swallowing, often at the back of the throat, akin to 'swallowing a razor blade'. However, it is unclear if this is a distinctive symptom of this variant The WHO, in its technical document, had said spike mutations in this variant could increase its transmissibility. In India, according to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), one case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in April in Tamil Nadu and four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May. As of May, the most common variant remained JN.1, comprising 53 % of samples tested, followed by BA.2 (26 %) and other Omicron sublineages (20 %). In June, a media report stated about 163 cases of the COVID-19 variant XFG, had been detected, according to INSACOG data. Earlier this week, Naveen Kumar, Director, National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, said surveillance and genome sequencing have been scaled up. He said genomic analysis had revealed the surge was due to the JN.1.16 sub-lineage of the Omicron variant, and that since May 2025, it had been replaced by the XFG (LF.7 and LP.81.2) recombinant variant. Doctors in India have reiterated that Covid-19 is now co-circulating with other seasonal infections and that they do not expect any major waves of the kind seen in 2021 and 2021. Spikes and dips however, may continue. Personal protection and hygiene measures such as hand washing, avoiding crowded places when possible or masking up, and protecting vulnerable segments of the population must continue, they have said. As of Friday, June 20, 2025, India's tally of active Covid-19 cases dipped to 5,608 from the 7,000 plus mark last week, and four new deaths were reported, taking the total toll this year to 120.

Mint

a day ago

• Mint

Covid-19 variant ‘Nimbus' with ‘razor blade throat' symptom spreads in California – should you worry?

A new Covid-19 variant – NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' – may be driving a recent rise in cases in some parts of the world. The rise is cases in primarily seen in eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions, the World Health Organization said on May 28. The new variant had reached nearly 11 per cent of sequenced samples reported globally in mid-May, an AP report said on Wednesday. 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. The WHO said some western Pacific countries have reported increases in Covid cases and hospitalisations, but there's nothing so far to suggest that the disease associated with the new variant is more severe compared to other variants, the report added. The variant has earned a new nickname – 'razor blade throat' Covid. That's because the variant may cause painful sore throats. The symptom has been identified by doctors in the United Kingdom, India and elsewhere, according to various media outlets. According to the AP report, 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. 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. A US government scientist who oversees the team responsible for collecting data on Covid-19 and RSV hospitalisations used to shape national vaccine policy has resigned, citing concerns over how such data would be used by the Trump administration. The scientist, Dr Fiona Havers, told colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday that she no longer had confidence that the Covid and RSV data would be used "objectively or evaluated with appropriate scientific rigor to make evidence-based vaccine policy decisions," according to an email seen by Reuters. Havers, leader of the RESP-NET Hospitalization Surveillance Team, did not respond to requests for comment. Her resignation follows moves by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to abruptly fire all 17 members of the CDC's independent vaccine advisory panel and drop a recommendation for administering Covid shots to healthy children and pregnant women. Kennedy, who has long sown doubt about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, replaced the advisory board with eight members of his own choosing, some of whom have histories of objecting to Covid shots or vaccines in general.