Emission from field burning of agricultural crop residue is a common environmental hazard observed in northern India. It has a significant potential health risk for the rural population due to respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM). A study on eight stage size segregated mass distribution of RSPM was done for 2 wheat and 3 rice crop seasons. The study was undertaken at rural and agricultural sites of Patiala (India) where the RSPM levels remained close to the National Ambient Air quality standards (NAAQS). Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) contributed almost 55% to 64% of the RSPM, showing that, in general, the smaller particles dominated during the whole study period with more contribution during the rice crop as compared to that of wheat crop residue burning. Fine particulate matter content in the total RSPM increased with decrease in temperature. Concentration levels of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were higher during the winter months as compared to that in the summer months. Background concentration levels of PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM_10−2.5 were found to be around 97±21, 57±15 and 40±6 μg m⁻³, respectively. The levels increased up to 66, 78 and 71% during rice season and 51, 43 and 61% during wheat crop residue burning, respectively. Extensive statistical analysis of the data was done by using pair t-test. Overall results show that the concentration levels of different size particulate matter are greatly affected by agricultural crop residue burning but the total distribution of the particulate matter remains almost constant.

The frequency and intensity of extreme events especially heat waves (HW) are growing all around the world which ultimately poses a serious threat to the health of individuals. To quantify the effects of extreme temperature, appropriate information, and the importance of HW and heat index (HI) are carefully discussed for different parts of the world. Varied definitions of the HW and HI formula proposed and used by different countries are carried out systematically continent-wise. Different studies highlighted the number of definitions of HW; however, mostly used Steadman’s formulae, which was developed in the late 1970s, for the calculation of HI that uses surface air temperature and relative humidity as climatic fields. Since then, dramatic changes in climatic conditions have been observed as evident from the ERA5 datasets which need to be addressed; likewise, the definition of HW, which is modified by the researchers as per the geographic conditions. It is evident from the ERA5 data that the temperature has increased by 1–2 °C as compared to the 1980s. There is a threefold increase in the number of heatwave days over most of the continents in the last 40 years. This study will help the researcher community to understand the importance of HW and HI. Furthermore, it opens the scope to develop an equation based on the present scenario keeping in mind the basics of an index as considered by Steadman.

The Yamuna River, a vital water source in India, poses a profound challenge concerning water purity across its entire stretch. The comprehensive review aims to thoroughly examine the river's water quality, shedding light on the sources of pollution and their consequences for both ecological systems and public health. The primary objective of this review is to examine the published research papers concerning the Yamuna River water quality stretching from Yamunotri to Prayagraj and its resulting impact on human health. This paper also comprises a wide range of pollutants mainly caused by human activity; during the strange period of COVID-19 lockdown, when all industries were closed, resulting in changes in water quality, signifies the destructive effects of human activity on the river. Studies uncover that the most contaminated areas are Nizamuddin of Delhi region and D/S of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, which includes the foremost level of faecal coliforms to be around 210000–11000000 and 450–6100000, respectively. The total coliforms were found to be between 700000–28000000 and 2200–32000000, respectively. Biochemical oxygen demands, industrial discharge, urban waste and agriculture are identified as the most responsible factors for this contamination. After the COVID-19 lockdown, all industries were open, and now, the conditions are the same as before COVID-19. The primary insight to be assembled is that the ecological balance of the Yamuna River and public health depend on the immediate requirement for effective wastewater treatment solutions. Besides offering valuable data by compiling findings from multiple studies, this review underscores the importance of implementing stringent regulations on industrial emissions, upgrading sewage treatment plants, and promoting eco-friendly farming methods to tackle pollution in the Yamuna River and also manage the rural and urban areas of the sewage pipeline plan. It stresses the importance of safeguarding the Yamuna River ecosystem's inherent socioeconomic benefits while alleviating the environmental harm caused by pervasive pollution. Essentially, the study calls for prompt and comprehensive measures to ensure the sustainable health of this crucial water resource in India.