Rattan is all the rage in the home decor space. From partitions to wardrobe shutters and seating, it provides a subtle statement that is both organic and elegant. Sourced from over 600 species of palms native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australasia
Tushar, Mannat share lead at AM Green IGPL Invitational CongoTushar, Mannat share lead at AM Green IGPL Invitational Congo Published on: Apr 21, 2026 2:19 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Lubumbashi , Young golfers Tushar Pannu and Mannat Brar turned in a matching six-under 67 to share the lead after
Apple will have been planning this succession for a long time. Rumours were circulating for a while that 65-year-old Tim Cook was thinking about stepping down, and while a few potential replacements popped up, the name which stuck was the firm's vice president of hardware, 51-year-old John Ternus
Apple has announced a major leadership change. On April 20, the company named John Ternus as its next CEO, with Tim Cook set to move into the role of executive chairman from September 1. This marks a big shift, as a long-time insider prepares to take charge during an important phase for the company
A simple shoulder cloth, the melthundu, has a rich history in Tamil Nadu. It began as a gesture of respect, was later used to challenge caste norms, and became a symbol of equality. Dravidian leaders adopted it as part of their identity. Today
Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission of India alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the nation on April 18.Over 700 citizens
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he considered visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow but not Kyiv "disrespectful". The pair visited the Russian capital late last year as ceasefire talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine gained pace, and again in January
'World-class buildings, third-class roads': Mohandas Pai on Bengaluru and Mumbai infrastructureIn a post on X, Mohandas Pai called out glaring gaps between “world-class” private developments and crumbling public spaces in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai. Updated on: Apr 21
The Hidden Health Cost Of Poor AQI: From Respiratory Stress To Mental Fatigue
The Hidden Health Cost Of Poor AQI: From Respiratory Stress To Mental Fatigue
As air quality across Indian cities continues to deteriorate, the conversation around pollution is expanding beyond masks and visibility charts. What was once seen largely as a respiratory concern is now being recognised as a complex, full-body health threat – one that affects not just the lungs and heart, but also the brain, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality is quietly reshaping how people breathe, think, sleep, and cope, making it one of the most pressing public health challenges as we move into a new year.
Medical experts stress that declining air quality poses a disproportionate risk to certain populations. “With air quality continuing to decline, high-risk groups such as children, pregnant women, senior citizens, smokers, and those with asthma or chronic heart and lung conditions should take extra precautions," says Dr. Hinal Shah, Consultant Biochemist, Global (Mumbai) Reference Lab at Agilus Diagnostics.
She advises limiting outdoor exposure during poor AQI days and wearing a certified N95 mask when stepping outside. According to Dr. Shah, symptoms such as persistent cough, chest tightness, breathlessness, palpitations, or increased inhaler use should never be brushed aside. Even subtle changes can signal early lung or cardiac stress.
One of the most effective ways to reduce long-term damage from pollution exposure is early diagnosis. Dr. Shah highlights that simple preventive tests like spirometry, FeNO, pulse oximetry, and routine blood work can help detect early lung and heart stress. These assessments, often overlooked until symptoms worsen, can identify inflammation and oxygen imbalance before they escalate into serious complications.
“Early diagnosis and timely care significantly reduce the risk of serious complications," she adds, underscoring the importance of proactive health monitoring rather than reactive treatment.
While respiratory effects are widely discussed, mental health consequences remain largely under-recognised. Dr. Girishchandra B G, Medical Director and Senior Consultant, Maarga Mind Care, explains, “Air pollution must now be viewed not only as an environmental and respiratory crisis, but also as a significant and under-acknowledged mental health risk."
He points to growing evidence linking prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter with neuro-inflammation, noting that pollution-driven systemic inflammation and oxidative stress can disrupt neurotransmitter pathways responsible for mood, attention, and sleep regulation. Clinically, this translates into rising cases of anxiety, low mood, cognitive fatigue, and insomnia during extended periods of poor air quality.
Beyond biology, pollution reshapes behaviour and lifestyle in ways that quietly erode mental wellbeing. Dr. Girishchandra observes that persistent pollution alerts and reduced outdoor activity create a chronic stress environment. Children lose opportunities for free play, older adults restrict movement due to breathlessness fears, and working professionals report declining productivity and emotional exhaustion.
Over time, these patterns contribute to social withdrawal, heightened health anxiety, and a sense of helplessness, particularly in urban settings where clean-air days feel increasingly rare.
Swipe Left For Next Video
For individuals already living with mental health conditions, pollution can act as a powerful trigger. Dr. Girishchandra notes that patients with panic disorder may experience intensified episodes linked to breathlessness, while those with depression report deeper mood disturbances. Even individuals with psychotic or neurocognitive disorders may see worsening symptoms, reinforcing the need to factor environmental stressors into treatment planning.
Poor air quality is no longer a seasonal inconvenience. It is a persistent health risk affecting both physical and mental resilience. Protecting oneself requires more than staying indoors; it demands awareness, preventive care, and timely intervention. As pollution levels fluctuate, prioritising respiratory health, monitoring early warning signs, and acknowledging the psychological toll are essential steps toward safeguarding overall well-being in an increasingly polluted environment.
Source: News18
Related Posts: These air purifiers for large rooms keep your indoor air quality clean and safe Dangerous air quality sweeps across 7 US states—Is your area affected Delhi Air Quality Control GRAP-3 measures implemented in Delhi as air quality deteriorates Air quality remains ‘very poor’ amid cold wave conditions Stage IV curbs to apply at Stage III amid poor air quality in Delhi Delhi’s air quality ‘severely’ toxic for third straight day At 291, Delhi's air quality improves to 'poor' category BREAKING | CAQM Revokes GRAP-3 Curbs In Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Improvement Air quality very poor in city
Artist Nalini Malani to reflect on patriarchal violence of wars at Venice BiennaleArtist Nalini Malani to reflect on patriarchal violence of wars at Venice Biennale Published on: Apr 21, 2026 4:56 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi, In her latest body of mixed media work
1 days ago
Apple's leadership change is the start of a new phase for the iPhone maker, in which the focus will be on whether its deep hardware heritage can be successfully fused with AI to sustain growth in a fast-evolving tech landscape, Wall Street analysts said
1 days ago
Indian opener Shafali Verma has risen to sixth in the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings. Her half-century against South Africa boosted her position. Smriti Mandhana has dropped to fourth. Harmanpreet Kaur is now eleventh. Jemimah Rodrigues has fallen to fourteenth
1 days ago
In a rare call, China’s President Xi Jinping spoke on the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to urge the restoration of transit through the vital waterway. He also pushed for an end to hostilities in the Middle East.In a rare call
1 days ago
A viral post on X revealing a kindergarten fee of more than Rs 2.5 lakh a year has sparked fresh outrage online, with many questioning why parents are being asked to pay such a huge amount for pre-primary education. The post, shared by a user named Sakshi, drew widespread attention after she wrote
1 days ago
Eleven persons were injured in a clash in a gurdwara in Germany on Sunday following disagreements about the management and financial affairs of the institution, India Today reported. The dispute involves the election of a new board to manage the institution and the administration of community
1 days ago
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday supplied a quick clarification soon after the BJP went into a complete uproar over his “terrorist" charge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge said all he meant is that Prime Minister Modi, who he said “always threatens"
1 days ago
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has released the third round of lottery results for Balvatika and Class 1 admissions for the 2026-27 academic session. Parents who submitted online applications between March 20 and April 2 can now check their child’s selection status on the official KVS
1 days ago
Madhav Viradiya has emerged as the Maharashtra topper in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, securing 100 percentile in both sessions 1 and 2. The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the results late on Monday evening, with 26 students achieving a perfect 100 percentile
1 days ago
The Indian Premier League isn’t just cricket, it’s theatre. It’s swagger, strategy, last-over drama, and personalities that feel larger than life. And much like a well-crafted cocktail, every team brings its own blend of intensity, flair, and character to the field
1 days ago
Dyson unveils travel-friendly ‘Supersonic’ hair dryer for users on the moveDyson has introduced a new, compact hairdryer designed for travel that claims to offer consistent styling performance in a smaller, lighter design. Published on: Apr 21
1 days ago
The Gauhati High Court on Tuesday granted four more weeks to the Assam government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to respond to petitions seeking action against him for alleged hate speech against Muslims, Live Law reported. During the hearing
1 days ago
19 Tamil Nadu fishermen return home following release from Sri LankaThe returnees were greeted with emotional reunions after being caught in the crosshairs of maritime boundary disputes. Updated on: Apr 21, 2026 5:02 PM IST ANI Share via Copy link A group of 19 fishermen from Thangachimadam
1 days ago
Are your vitamin D levels low? Experts explain its function beyond bone strength; share why deficiency is commonDespite being a country with ample sunlight, vitamin D deficiency is very common in India. Experts explain why you shouldn't ignore it. Published on: Apr 21
1 days ago
'Iran has violated ceasefire': Donald Trump reiterates amid peace talks deadlockDonald Trump has been offering mixed messages about the path ahead for the Iran war as the ceasefire deadline approches. Published on: Apr 21, 2026 5:24 PM IST By Shivam Pratap Singh Share via Copy link US President
1 days ago
Apple on Monday (April 20, 2026) named insider John Ternus as its next CEO, tasking the long-time hardware chief to steer the company after Tim Cook as the iPhone maker gears up for an industry change spurred by artificial intelligence. Mr. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001
1 days ago
iPhone-maker Apple has announced a top-deck transition with CEO Tim Cook set to step down and hand over the reins to longtime hardware chief -- a 'reboot' that marks the end of Cook's decade-and-a-half long tenure defined by quiet leadership style and sustained growth
1 days ago
US Republican leader Nikki Haley on Tuesday alleged that a vessel recently intercepted by the United States amid a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was en route from China to Iran, carrying chemicals linked to missile development. Taking to X, Haley wrote
1 days ago
Daadi Ki Shaadi trailer: Kapil Sharma’s wedding plans go haywire as Neetu Kapoor’s 'savage daadi’ decides to marryKapil Sharma returns with family comedy Daadi Ki Shaadi, featuring Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Sadia Khateeb. Apr 21, 2026
1 days ago
This 43-year-old actor is the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Star 2026’; has a big release aheadA Hollywood star has been named People magazine’s ‘World’s Most Beautiful Star 2026’, with a big upcoming release adding to the excitement around her career. Apr 21, 2026
1 days ago
Madonna has offered a reward for the return of the outfit she wore on stage at Coachella last weekend, after several of her vintage costume pieces went missing following the festival. "These aren't just clothes, they are part of my history," the Queen of Pop wrote on Instagram
1 days ago
Indian travel plans for the summer are being quietly but decisively redrawn. As tensions in the due to the Iran war disrupt flight routes and raise costs as well as safety concerns, many travellers are stepping back from long-haul trips to Europe and the US. Instead
1 days ago
The Skoda Slavia Sportline offers a sportier design with blacked-out styling, sitting between mid and top variants. Priced from Rs 13.49 lakh, it comes with two petrol engine options, strong safety features, and practical space. It balances style, performance
1 days ago
Amid the World Athletics’ (WA) decision to designate India as country with “extremely high" risk of doping, the government says it remains firmly committed to the promotion of clean sport and the protection of athlete integrity through a robust and evolving anti-doping framework
1 days ago
India, Singapore charting out roadmap for digital corridor, green shipping: officialIndia, Singapore charting out roadmap for digital corridor, green shipping: official Published on: Apr 21, 2026 5:08 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Singapore
1 days ago
As Tim Cook steps down, we look at Apple’s more mixed launches under his leadershipAs Tim Cook steps down, this piece explores Apple’s slower pace in AI, absence in foldables, and the limited reach of Vision Pro despite its innovation. Updated on: Apr 21
1 days ago
Japan on Tuesday (April 21, 2026) endorsed scrapping a ban on lethal weapons exports, a major change of its postwar pacifist policy as the country seeks to build up its arms industry and deepen cooperation with defense partners. The approval by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet of the new
1 days ago
