The big fat Indian wedding is quietly triggering a climate chaos

The lavish "big fat Indian wedding" is a cultural spectacle known for its opulence, grandeur, and increasingly, its food waste.With over 10 million weddings taking place annually in India, these events have become one of the country's major sources of food wastage and a driver behind rising methane emissions.According to Feeding India, an NGO working to combat hunger, anywhere between 30 and 50 kilograms of food is wasted at an average Indian wedding. In elite weddings, the amount can soar to a staggering 800 kilograms.advertisement
Globally, food waste is a serious concern. The Food Waste Index Report 2024, released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), a UK-based non-profit, states that one crore (10 million) meals are wasted every day worldwide.The report also highlights that household waste makes up the largest share, more than 60%, of this global food waste.In India, much of the wedding-related food waste is due to oversized buffets, inaccurate guest estimates, and a general lack of awareness about food donation.
Photo: Generative AI by Ayushi Shrivastava)
THE CLIMATE CONSEQUENCEThe consequences of this waste extend beyond empty plates. It's contributing significantly to environmental degradation.advertisementWhen discarded food ends up in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a greenhouse gas that is around 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of warming potential.Methane can linger in the atmosphere for over 20 years and is responsible for roughly 30% of the rise in global temperatures since pre-industrial times.Climate change has already exceeded the thresholds set by the Paris Agreement. Food waste from weddings and other events continues to fuel this crisis. The UNEP report notes that 'human-caused methane emissions could be reduced by as much as 45% within the decade,' a change that could prevent nearly 0.3C of global warming by 2045 and keep the planet within the 1.5C limit targeted by the Paris Agreement.Meanwhile, as one billion tons of food is wasted globally each year, about one-third of the world's population experiences food insecurity. Of these, 783 million people struggle with hunger.
Globally, food waste is a serious concern. (Photo: Getty)
This stark contrast calls for immediate action. Mindful consumption, better planning, and raising awareness about food recovery and donation can significantly reduce food wastage, especially at weddings. Institutional frameworks must be established to streamline food collection.advertisementNGOs involved in food redistribution should be certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure food safety and accountability.In 2018, the Delhi government took a notable step to reduce food waste by capping the number of guests allowed at weddings. A similar trend emerged naturally during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions led to smaller, more intimate gatherings. However, such measures shouldn't be limited to times of crisis.Promoting smaller, more mindful celebrations can significantly reduce the enormous food waste typically generated at weddings. It's a step toward both environmental sustainability and social responsibility.The celebration of love and union should not come at the cost of the planet or hungry mouths. A shift towards responsible celebrations can make the big fat Indian wedding truly great for all.Trending Reel

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Indian Express

an hour ago

• Indian Express

Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on significance of the triratna and temple architecture (Week 107)

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Discuss the major structural and decorative differences between the Nāgara and Drāviḍa temple traditions. Explain the significance of the triratna ('Three Jewels') in the quest of nibbāna. Explain how Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha interact as interconnected underpinnings of the Buddhist path. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Discuss the major structural and decorative differences between the Nāgara and Drāviḍa temple traditions. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Indian temple architecture follows two main traditions: Nāgara (northern) and Draviḍa (southern). — In addition to these two, Indian art treatises discuss a third sort of construction tradition known as the 'Vesara' or hybrid. The etymological meaning of the term has led researchers in the past to interpret this category as a synthesis of northern and southern artistic traditions and to identify it with the geographically appropriate Deccan region. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: Nagara or North Indian Temple Style — Nagara is a temple building style that rose to prominence in northern India. In North India, it is typical to construct an entire temple on a stone platform with steps going up to it. — The earliest temples had only one tower, or shikhara, whereas later temples had multiple. The garbhagriha is always situated right beneath the tallest structure. — Nagara temples are divided into various categories based on the shape of the shikhara. The various components of the temple are known by different names in different parts of India; nevertheless, the plain shikhara is the most prevalent. — The phamsana is the nagara order's second primary architectural form. Phamsana buildings are often larger and shorter than Latina buildings. Their roofs are made up of many slabs that slowly rise to a single point above the core of the building, as opposed to Latina roofs, which appear to be sharply rising towering towers. — The third major kind of nagara buildings is known as the valabhi type. These are rectangular structures with roofs that rise into vaulted chambers. The vaulted chamber's edge is rounded, similar to the bamboo or wooden waggons hauled by bullocks in ancient times. They are commonly known as 'wagonvaulted buildings'. Dravida or South Indian Temple Style — The Dravidian temple is encircled by a compound wall. The front wall has an entrance gateway in the centre, known as a gopuram. In Tamil Nadu, the main temple tower, known as vimana, is shaped like a stepped pyramid that rises geometrically, as opposed to North India's bending shikhara. — In South Indian temples, the term'shikhara' refers only to the crowning part at the top of the temple, which is typically formed like a tiny stupika or an octagonal cupola—this is analogous to the amlak and kalasha of North Indian temples. To read more: How Indian temple architecture is rooted in art, religion, and politics Conclusion: — The evolution of Indian temple building is based on a complex interplay of art, religion, politics, and culture. While it began modestly, it grew into a sophisticated tradition that differed by region while maintaining a consistent cultural character. — Temples were frequently visited by powerful monarchs to worship their preferred deity while also asserting, consolidating, and legitimising their rule over an existing or new area. Rajaraja Cola, for example, constructed the Thanjavur Brihadesvara temple to demonstrate his authority over the region. — Kanchipuram, Thanjavur or Tanjore, Madurai, and Kumbakonam are the most well-known temple cities in Tamil Nadu, where temples served more than only religious purposes from the seventh to the twelfth centuries. Temples grew into prosperous administrative centres, governing enormous tracts of territory. (Source: How Indian temple architecture is rooted in art, religion, and politics, Points to Ponder Read more about Indian Temples Read about important temples in news in India Related Previous Year Questions How will you explain that Medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (2022) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (2013) QUESTION 2: Explain the significance of the triratna ('Three Jewels') in the quest of nibbāna. Explain how Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha interact as interconnected underpinnings of the Buddhist path. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Buddhism, founded on Siddhartha Gautama's or Buddha's teachings, lays forth the road to nibbana (freedom). The Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha are the three jewels of Buddhism, and they are important to this path. — These three, also known as the tisarana (threefold refuge), are places of sanctuary for Buddhists, both laity (upasakas/upasikas) and monastics. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Buddha is the first and most fundamental of the three refuges. He is renowned as an awakened teacher who discovered and spread the road to liberation. — In Buddhism, Dhamma refers to the Buddha's teachings, which are based on the ariya sacchani or four noble truths and the atthanga magga or eightfold way. It describes ethical behaviour, discipline, and wisdom as the pillars of an individual's development. Impermanence (anichcha) is a key concept in the Buddha's teaching in this regard. — In the framework of a person's life and existence, no force in the cosmos can avert the unavoidable. As Siddhartha discovered on his first visit outside the palace, the beginning of old age, disease, and death is unavoidable. As a result, the conceptions of 'I','me', and'self' are ever-changing and comprised of a variety of experiences. — This idea is intimately related to Buddhism's rejection of anything permanent, including the soul or atman. Buddhism offers the doctrine of anattā (non-self), which holds that there is no permanent self or essence within beings or occurrences. This principle is expressed through a discourse between King Milinda and monk Nāgasena from Milindapañhā. — In Buddhist teachings, the Dhamma is sometimes compared to a raft, a powerful metaphor utilised in the Majjhima Nikaya. The book depicts a man who comes across a big river in flood. The shore he stands on is perilous and filled with terror, yet the far shore appears safe. However, there is no bridge or boat to help him cross the river. — After the Buddha and the Dhamma, the Sangha is the third jewel of the triratna. The Sangha is Buddhism's monastic organisation, created during the Buddha's lifetime. It was the central institution for disseminating the Buddha's teachings. — The Sangha's regulations specify aspects of monastic life, such as what its members should eat, how they should speak and walk, what they should dress, and how they should behave. These regulations also establish standards for settling conflicts and establishing the relationship between the Sangha and the laity. The Vinaya Pitaka also details the monks' first travelling lifestyle and ultimate transition to fixed dwelling. (Source: Three jewels that shape Buddhist philosophy and way of life) Points to Ponder Read about Vinaya Pitaka, Milindapañhā Read more about Buddhism Related Previous Year Questions Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (2016) Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (2020) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 105) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.

India Gazette

3 hours ago

• India Gazette

AI 171 crash: 202 bodies handed over and 220 victims identified, says Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 20 (ANI): Almost a week after the deadly Air India crash that took place in Ahmedabad, DNA samples of 220 victims had been matched with their families and the mortal remains of 202 passengers have been released, announced Gujarat Minister of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education Rushikesh Patel on Friday. In a post on X, Rushikesh Patel wrote, 'UPDATED UP TO :- 20/06/2025 , 11:45 A.M. NO. OF DNA MATCH - 220, NO. OF RELATIVES CONTACTED- 220, NO. OF MORTAL RELEASED- 202.' Of the 220 victims identified in the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad, 151 were Indian nationals, 34 were British, 7 Portuguese, one was Canadian, and 9 were non-passengers. So far, 202 bodies have been handed over, 15 sent by air and 187 by ambulance, while the remaining mortal remains will be released soon. 'Indians 151, Portuguese 7, British 34, Canada 1, Non passengers AIR - 15, By road via ambulance - Mortal remains will be handed over soon,' the post further reads. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said that the flight AI-171, which crashed shortly after taking off in Ahmedabad on June 12, was 'well-maintained' and both the aircraft and its engines were regularly monitored, showing no issue before the flight. In a wordy statement for its customers, Air India's CEO informed that the plane had undergone its last major check in June 2023, while its right engine was overhauled in March of this year, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. 'The plane was well-maintained, with its last major check in June 2023 and the next scheduled for December 2025. Its right engine was overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. Both the aircraft and engines were regularly monitored, showing no issues before the flight,' Campbell Wilson said. Air India CEO assured that they are working with the aviation industry and waiting for the official investigation report to provide more information about the crash in which 241 out of the 242 passengers on board were killed after the plane crashed into the BJ Medical college's boys hostel building. Campbell Wilson further added that Air India has completed inspection on 26 Boeing 787 aircraft out of 33 of its aircraft as per the directions of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after the tragedy. He added that following the review of Air India aircraft, the DGCA has confirmed that our Boeing 787 fleet and maintenance processes fully meet safety standards. On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. (ANI)

News18

4 hours ago

• News18

British F-35B Jet Remains In Thiruvananthapuram As Royal Navy Declines India's Support Offers

A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport nearly a week after an emergency landing due to a suspected hydraulic failure. Days after a British Royal Navy F-35B fighter made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, it remains grounded there, multiple media reports suggest. According to Money Control, India offered to move the jet to a hangar at the airport to help the British technical team carry out repairs. However, this offer was declined by the Royal Navy, the Indian Defence Research Wing said. The Indian Air Force later suggested building a temporary shed at the site to protect the aircraft and ground crew from rain and heat, but this offer too was reportedly turned down, the report claimed. The stealth jet, operating from the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, landed at the Thiruvananthapuram airport due to a suspected hydraulic issue. The incident happened while it was on a routine flight outside Indian airspace when it developed a technical fault and diverted to the southern Indian airport, designated in advance as an emergency recovery site. Though the emergency landing was safely executed and previously reported, the root issue, believed to be a fault in the aircraft's hydraulic system, has not yet been resolved, leaving the fifth-generation combat jet stationed at the airport for nearly six days now. According to news agency PTI, technicians from the carrier arrived shortly after the incident to begin inspection and repairs. Six of them returned to the ship on Tuesday afternoon, while three personnel, including the pilot, remain at Thiruvananthapuram to oversee the rectification efforts. The pilot did not remain in the cockpit after landing and has been resting in the airport's apron office area. As part of precautionary protocol, the aircrew were moved to the Emergency Medical Centre after the incident. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) has been facilitating their stay, providing accommodation and meals. A local ground handling agency was also arranged at the Royal Navy's request. The Indian Air Force, which tracked and cleared the jet for landing through its IACCS radar network, supports the UK team in returning the aircraft to full service. First Published: June 20, 2025, 14:37 IST