IISPPR

Category: Good Health and Well-being

Good Health and Well-being
Rebeka Shaw, Aayushi Rai, Niyati Kotiyal, Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Kushi N Jain

Screens Before Speech: Rethinking Early Childhood Development in A Digital Age

Rebeka Shaw, Aayushi Rai, Niyati Kotiyal, Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Kushi N Jain Introduction In today’s hyper-connected world, digital devices are woven into the fabric of childhood from an early age. What once began as a tool for education and entertainment has evolved into a constant presence in children’s lives, shaping how they learn, play, and interact with the world. While technology offers undeniable benefits like interactive learning and easy access to information, its unregulated use has raised red flags about developmental and mental health risks. Studies suggest that excessive screen time, especially passive viewing, can hinder language development, disrupt sleep, and increase impulsivity and attention deficits. The constant stimulation from digital content and notifications can fragment children’s focus and impair their ability to concentrate on academic or social tasks. Sleep disturbances, often triggered by nighttime screen use, further compound these effects by affecting memory and emotional regulation. Psychological theories, such as Jean Piaget’s, remind us that active, hands-on interaction is crucial for cognitive growth. But in a world where screens replace physical play, these foundational experiences are often compromised. Add to that modern parenting pressures, urban routines, dual incomes, and digital babysitting, and the developmental equation becomes even more complicated. Adolescents, too, are facing the fallout. According to the WHO, nearly 14% of youth aged 10-19 suffer from mental health issues, with suicide ranking alarmingly as the fourth leading cause of death in this age group. And yet, health systems, especially in India, remain underprepared, with pediatric care often overlooking digital exposure as a root cause of behavioural challenges. The need for awareness, moderation, and informed strategies becomes urgent as AI-powered tools and digital content become increasingly embedded in childhood environments. In this digital era, the question isn’t whether children should use technology, but how, when, and how much. Navigating this terrain requires conscious parenting, evidence-based guidelines, and a healthcare system equipped to recognise emerging developmental patterns. The way we manage children’s digital exposure today will shape not only their mental health and learning capacity but also the very fabric of tomorrow’s workforce and society. Literature Review Mobile-based child health monitoring has emerged as a critical tool in strengthening maternal and child healthcare in India, particularly through initiatives like the POSHAN Tracker, Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal, and the broader National Digital Health Mission (NDHM). Literature highlights the success of mHealth tools in enhancing immunisation tracking, antenatal/postnatal care, and nutritional monitoring. However, challenges persist in digital access, especially across rural and low-literacy populations. Studies in sociology emphasise the role of gender norms, caste hierarchies, and community trust in influencing the adoption of digital health tools. From a psychological perspective, user motivation, technology-related anxiety, and behavioural inertia impact usage by caregivers. Urban planning and sustainable urbanism literature underlines the infrastructural divide in health service delivery between urban slums and peri-urban areas. Meanwhile, public policy research critiques the fragmented implementation of digital health schemes, stressing the need for convergence and capacity-building among frontline health workers. Business and management studies focus on the scalability and sustainability of mobile platforms, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in health tech ecosystems. The interdisciplinary review reveals that while technology offers promising solutions, socio-cultural, behavioural, infrastructural, and governance dimensions must be integrated for effective and equitable child health monitoring. Objectives of the Study The increasing integration of digital technologies into parenting, ranging from mobile-based child health monitoring applications to AI-assisted caregiving tools, has transformed the way early childhood is experienced and managed. Particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, the reliance on screens for both caregiving and entertainment has grown significantly, leading to critical questions about its long-term impact on children’s mental, emotional, and cognitive development. This study aims to explore these complex dynamics within the Indian context, focusing on five core objectives: • To assess the developmental consequences of early and excessive screen exposure on infants and young children (aged 0–5 years), with attention to delayed speech, emotional dysregulation, attention disorders, and emerging symptoms associated with “virtual autism.” • To evaluate the role of digital tools, including mobile-based health tracking apps and AI-powered parenting assistants, in modern caregiving practices. This includes identifying both their benefits in health monitoring and the risks of digital overdependence. • To examine the readiness and responsiveness of India’s pediatric healthcare and early childhood education systems in identifying, diagnosing, and managing screen-related developmental concerns. This involves assessing gaps in infrastructure, training, and awareness. • To explore the extended social and behavioural consequences of early digital immersion, especially its correlation with adolescent impulsivity, risk-taking behaviours (including substance abuse and poor reproductive health awareness), and future workforce competencies. • To propose integrated policy-level recommendations that address parenting practices, pediatric healthcare protocols, public awareness strategies, and organisational preparedness for managing the digitally-formed generation. By addressing these objectives, the study seeks to provide a multidimensional understanding of how digital parenting is reshaping childhood and society at large. Findings and Discussions: Insights into Parenting and Developmental Issues In today’s hyperconnected world, digital devices are transforming not only how adults work and socialise but also the earliest stages of childhood development. Increasingly, children are being introduced to screens long before their first words, raising growing concerns among health professionals, educators, and parents. Emerging evidence, including from Indian pediatric practices, suggests that excessive screen time in early childhood is linked to delays in speech and social development, emotional regulation difficulties, shortened attention spans, and even autism-like symptoms in some children. This article explores the issue through three interrelated lenses: parenting practices, developmental impacts, and public health system readiness, supported by real-life case studies from India. Digital Babysitting and Parenting Practices Modern parenting is shaped by time constraints, nuclear family setups, and growing dependence on digital tools. With dual-income households and long work hours becoming the norm, especially in urban India, many parents rely on digital devices to manage childcare gaps , a trend often referred to as digital babysitting. In urban homes, devices are frequently used to pacify toddlers during meals, chores, or downtime. In semi-urban and rural areas,

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Good Health and Well-being
Anamika R, Anaswara Obrin, Sreelakshmi PM

Patterns and Influenctial Factors affecting Menstrual Health Expenditure

Authors: Anamika R, Anaswara Obrin, Sreelakshmi PM. 1.Introduction Menstrual health is a fundamental aspect of women’s well-being, yet millions around the world continue to face barriers to accessing safe, affordable, and hygienic menstrual products. These barriers are often rooted in financial strain and social stigma surrounding menstruation. In many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rural or underserved areas, menstruators are forced to resort to unsafe alternatives due to the high cost and unavailability of menstrual health products. The result is a pervasive cycle of “period poverty,” with consequences that extend beyond physical discomfort, impacting education, mental health, economic productivity, and social inclusion. This paper explores the role of financial constraints and social norms in shaping menstrual health expenditure and access. Drawing on both secondary data and a primary survey of urban women in India, the research highlights the disparities in menstrual product accessibility, spending patterns, and awareness across different income groups and age brackets. It also examines the challenges of adopting sustainable menstrual products and assesses the effectiveness of existing government schemes and private initiatives. By identifying key gaps in awareness, affordability, and accessibility, this study aims to provide actionable recommendations for policy and community-level intervention. 2. Literature Review  Period poverty is an issue that is rooted in economic disparity and gender inequality. It reflects a broader systemic issue where essential health needs of menstruators, especially women and girls, are often overlooked. According to a World Bank Report, in 2022, over 500 million women globally lacked access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management.  An overview report for Low and Middle-income countries estimates 78% of menstruators use purpose-made menstrual health products, which include single-use pads and tampons, with reusable options remaining underutilized. The annual cost of such products amounts to $28.8 billion, with 99% of costs attributed to single-use items. Highlighting a significant opportunity to promote reusable menstrual products, which are more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable in the long term.  (S.K et al,.2024). However, the uptake of reusable products remains low due to a lack of awareness, unavailability and social stigma.  In India, the situation is alarming as 12% of women cannot afford period products. NFHS data show that in 2021, approximately 50 percent of women aged 15-24 years still used cloth for menstrual protection. In rural areas, many women resort to unsafe alternatives such as rags, sand, hay, and ash as alternative methods due to the lack of availability of products. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other health complications (Wilson, 2022). While the average cost of menstrual products per month is Rs. 300, this constitutes a significant burden for lower-income groups, particularly when the average daily wage remains around Rs. 180. Given that the exorbitant cost of period products is a gruesome burden on the lower-income groups. Around 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to the lack of safe and sanitary menstrual hygiene management, including access to products and a lack of awareness about menstruation. (Wilson,R.2022)            In response, international and national organizations have introduced initiatives aimed at improving access and affordability. The World Bank suggests removing market entry barriers for the private sector companies to improve competition and access. Organizations like Zana Africa demonstrated a successful model by distributing sanitary pads and health education, which is supported by the Kenyan Teacher Service Commission.  Similarly, in India, social enterprises like Aakar Innovations have empowered women to manufacture and distribute affordable, high-quality sanitary napkins, while also raising awareness about menstrual hygiene management. Their “Anandi” pads serve as a locally produced, low-cost and eco-friendly alternative.  On the policy front, India has taken several steps towards improving menstrual health:  Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, focuses on raising awareness on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. ASHA workers distributed subsidised packs of sanitary napkins at Rs. 6 each.  Under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), over 8,700 Janaushadhi Kendras offer oxo-biodegradable pads at just Rs. 1 per pad (Roy, 2024). While the measures adopted by the government shall be appreciated doubt still lingers on the effective implementation of these schemes. The supply of pads at health centers is reported to be irregular, which erodes the effectiveness of the scheme. The lack of awareness regarding the government initiatives promoting the use of menstrual products prevents women in need from availing them (S.K et al.,2024). The consequences of these systemic failures are not only physical but also social and psychological. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to infections and reproductive health issues (Babagoli et al., 2022). At the same time, providing good access to menstrual hygiene products reduces the risk of infections and teen pregnancies and increases fertility. A sanitary pad intervention in Ghana found that after six months of free sanitary pad provision and puberty education, girls missed significantly less school (Montgomery et al.,2012). The word is synonymous with injustice and inequity (Jaafar et al.,2023). Affordability is a strong barrier to access to menstrual products, particularly for poor women. The implicit sexism and underlying gender inequality in the high pricing of essential female hygiene products is not unnoticed (Miller et al.,2024) 3. Methodology The cross-sectional analysis was conducted using primary data through questionnaire based web survey on urban women. Data has been collected from websites of The world Bank, The UN and the WHO. Articles from Google Scholar, National Institute of Health, International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and gynecology, Ujaas, Rashtriya Kishor Swaasthya Kaaryakram website for the comprehensive literature review. 4. Analysis A survey was conducted with 70 urban women aged between 20 to 50 years, segmented into three age groups: 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50. The respondents were categorized by household income: Low income: ₹15,000–₹35,000 Middle income: ₹35,001–₹75,000 High income: Above ₹75,000 Respondents also represented a diverse occupational range: employees (45.7%), self-employed, homemakers, students, and others. Educational backgrounds varied, with the majority holding postgraduate degrees (57.1%). This was to check the incidence of meeting menstrual requirements of non-earning female members

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Good Health and Well-being
Mrunmai Thakur

IMPACT OF POVERTY ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Poverty is more than just the absence of income—it is a persistent state that strips individuals of access to basic needs, dignity, and opportunities. One of its most devastating consequences is the toll it takes on health and overall wellbeing. In low-income households, the lack of nutritious food, clean water, and adequate shelter creates a fertile ground for disease and chronic stress. Preventive healthcare becomes a luxury, and even treatable illnesses can turn fatal due to delayed medical attention or unaffordable care.

Children growing up in poverty face heightened risks of malnutrition, developmental delays, and poor academic performance, creating a cycle where poor health undermines future earning potential and continues the chain of deprivation. Mental health, too, suffers deeply—feelings of helplessness, social exclusion, and constant financial anxiety lead to increased cases of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.
Addressing poverty is not just an economic imperative—it is a public health necessity. Holistic policies that combine income support, accessible healthcare, education, and community wellbeing can create resilient societies where no one is forced to choose between a meal and a medical check-up.

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Good Health and Well-being
SHIERIE FATMA

HEAT, HUNGER AND HEALTH ALARMING FOR 2025

Towards Sustainable Development in 2025 and Beyond: The interconnectedness of climate resilience, food security, and healthcare access emphasizes the importance of an integrated policy approach. Holistic management of these issues not only resolves current crises but also guarantees long-term sustainability, economic stability, and social equality. Yet this depends on sound data-driven governance, fair resource distribution, and participatory citizens. The final question then is: How does India institutionalize this comprehensive framework so as to have a sustainable model of development which is resilient, adaptive, and fair—-not merely for 2025, but also for future generations?

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Good Health and Well-being
Rajat Rao

The Relationship Between Childhood Adversity and The Development Of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious psychiatric condition influenced by childhood adversity, temperament, and triggering events. Research links BPD to early trauma, including parental neglect, abuse, and unstable home environments. Studies show that adolescents and adults with BPD report significantly higher rates of childhood adversity than their peers. Temperamental traits like emotional instability and impulsivity, combined with environmental factors such as bullying and trauma, contribute to its onset. Genetic predispositions also interact with early adverse experiences, influencing BPD symptoms. Emotional abuse and neglect are among the strongest risk factors. BPD affects emotional regulation, relationships, and identity, with therapy being the most recommended treatment.

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Good Health and Well-being
Rishita Bahuguna

Role of Parenting in psychological issues in children

Role of Parenting in psychological issues in children Children of today are given mobile phones, PCs, internet etc at a very young age. He or she has access to everything that can be a potential threat to them because they are at a vulnerable age where they are still developing and are easy to influence. These technologies are exposing them to media and content that is negatively impacting the children and the younger generations are a proof of it today.  What is addiction ?   Addiction refers to a condition wherein the person is unable to separate themselves from certain things, they need it, have increased tolerance to it that is they can keep increasing it’s consumption each time and if it is taken away from them they can’t live with that and may react very aggressively, lack of control etc.  Addiction is not only to substances like caffeine, alcohol, opioids etc but in this digital world also to the internet, social media, games etc. Globally 26.99% children are smartphone addicted 17.42% are social media addicted 14.22% have internet addiction, and 6.04% are game addicts, boys are mostly game and internet addicted (Meng et al., 2022). While according to The Hindu there are 1.5 crore children between age 10 to 17 who are addicted to substances in India (The Hindu, 2022). Addiction is a complex process but it usually occurs due to changes in brain chemistry. Whenever we do something rewarding, “feel good” chemicals are released in the body that makes one do that thing again and again. In case of addiction ( a disease) certain things like substances, spending money, sex etc can stimulate a release of these chemicals in great amounts and the person finds themselves wanting to do that thing, with time they no longer feel the same pleasure as before as then they increase its consumption and get stuck in a loop where they constantly repeat it while also increasing its intake.  Problem with addiction in children Addiction is especially very problematic in children because their brain is not completely developed so it is very easy for them to become addicted as well as it is more harmful as well as it can later traumatise them and develop into mental disorders. Today a child has a plethora of game options to choose from. While there are some games that are beneficial which are also used by psychologists on their clients for treatment and rehabilitation of certain disorders as these games help improve cognitive functioning. Similar effect of improvement in cognition is seen with activities like sports and arts (Rosyati et al., 2020). That is why for optimal development of a child games are also vital. It was seen in professional gamers that the brain volume and functionality in the insular region (region in the brain associated with language processing, taste, smell and interpersonal abilities) is increased (Rosyati et al., 2020). But mostly the games children are playing today are harming them because these are usually online games which glue them to their screens for long durations. This is impacting their physical health because there is lack of movement throughout the day which is very crucial at an age where they are growing and so their muscles need to be worked for a strong body. The problem with these games doesn’t end there, the children are addicted. They are spending hours playing online games. Research found that children and adolescents with game addiction show changed brain structure and function and have limited control on their impulses (Rosyati et al., 2020).  They have phones and PCs which means they must also have access to the internet. Children are living virtually more than in real life, if they want to talk to their friends they would prefer texting them rather than meeting them. They spend hours on the internet and social media but they don’t have friends and they don’t know how to make friends in the real world, they compare themselves with people online and feel jealous or envious, acquire insecurities, feel lonely, feel less worthy. Internet addiction affects a child’s physical and mental health by interfering with their exercise time and sleep time (Zhou, Zhu et al., 2022). Not only this but high-risk Internet users don’t have proper diet quality and also ill dietary behaviour which can hinder in healthy growth and development of the individual (Kim, Park et al. 2010 ). Internet addiction is associated with higher sympathetic activity that indicates increased heart rate and lower parasympathetic activity (Pi-Chu Lin et al., 2014).  There are a lot of adverse effects of addiction problems which can be categorised into : Physical health :  They are at a higher risk of developing health issues like due to their lack of activities. They are at a risk of getting obese, having poor eyesight etc. They are also exposed to radiation coming from these devices for long periods of time. They also suffer from insomnia.  Mental health : They are more likely to be lonely, anxious, stressed etc and have lower self esteem due to overconsumption of media online. They can feel they are lacking behind. In severe cases they may develop depression and anxiety disorder.  Social health : Due to spending the majority of their time indoors virtually, they lack social skills, they won’t be able to build social bonds or maintain them. In severe cases they can develop disorders like social conduct disorder, antisocial behaviour etc.  Academics : Many researches have shown that addicted children suffer academically. They are unable to score well, pay attention in the class, problem solve etc.  Role of parenting in child development We know children grow up looking at their parents so parenting style and family environment matters for raising a healthy and happy child.  The major types  of parenting styles are authoritarian, authoritative, permissive and neglectful. Authoritarian parenting style is in which the parents exercise complete control over their children with no flexibility for child’s emotions, strict rules, no chance for children

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Good Health and Well-being
Rishita Bahuguna

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MIND AND  HEALTH

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MIND AND  HEALTH We have often heard stress can cause weight gain, stress can cause acne, stress affects a female’s menstrual cycle and so on. It is established that the mental state and physical health of a person are affected by one another. But in this article we shall dive deeper to understand how that works.  What is health? The World Health Organization or WHO defines health as “ a state of complete physical, mental, social well being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”  WHO (World Health Organisation) states that, not having a disease or illness is not the only criterion to classify one as healthy or unhealthy, one must also be in a state of being physically, mentally and socially fit.  It further defines health as a dynamic state that is it keeps changing and is not always constant for anyone.  Dimensions of health Health is multidimensional which means it has many components to it. In order to be healthy one must be fit in all dimensions of health. Following are some dimensions of health:  Physical health – It includes absence of any external injuries, chronic diseases as well as a fit body. Physical health is taken care of by doing regular exercise, taking proper diet and having proper sleep.  Mental health – It includes having normal functioning cognition, ability to regulate thoughts and absence of mental disorders, excessive negative and distorted thoughts, etc.  Emotional health – It includes having the ability to understand one’s emotions and feelings and being able to control them rather than being controlled by them. It also means absence of psychological disorders and excessive or prolonged stress, etc.  Social health –  It includes having the ability to make and maintain social relationships and having basic social skills required to function in society, like communication skills, social behaviour, conflict resolution etc.  Spiritual health – It includes having a sense of meaning and purpose in life and hence motivation to live. It also includes having an identity of own. People lacking identity face existential crisis.  Vocational health – It includes having a healthy attitude towards work that is having ambitions, motivation to work, career choice and satisfaction and good performance.  Interdependence of dimensions of health All the dimensions of health are interconnected. This is a very crucial fact. As if one suffers in a particular dimension of health the other dimensions will also be affected. For example a socially unfit person may also suffer emotionally due to lack of meaningful relationships. This will in turn affect their spiritual, physical and mental health which may further affect vocational health as well.  Therefore mental health and physical health are connected, making sense why stress causes so many physical health related issues.  Psychoneuroimmunology Psychoneuroimmunology is a study dealing with the role of psychological processes and neurological processes in immunity.  Immunity refers to an organism’s capacity to fight against foreign agents (antigens), or germs when they enter the organism’s body and help heal wounds and infections. Immune system of an organism consists of cells, proteins produced by these cells, and organs.  Hence for a healthy, strong body good immunity is essential.  According to psychoneuroimmunology, a person’s mind (emotions, thoughts etc) can influence their immunity.  Understanding nervous system :  CNS or Central Nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It controls everything in our body. It is responsible for maintaining homeostasis (internal balance) in the body by regulating temperature, blood pressure, heart rate etc. To do so the endocrine system and CNS need to communicate. Endocrine system consists of ductless glands that produce hormones (chemicals) and directly release it into the bloodstream.  The body and brain communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals or messages. The brain sends electrical and chemical signals through neurons. The electrical signals move forward in a neuron and from one neuron to another due to electrical and chemical gradients present between the intracellular region and extracellular region of the neuron. This depolarizes (changes the intracellular region of the neuron’s charge from negative to positive) the region in the neuron (axon). When the electrical signal reaches the end of a neuron, neurotransmitters are released by synaptic knobs of the neuron. These are chemical messengers. They are the ones that carry signals to muscles, glands or other neurons and make communication possible.  Understanding immune system  :  The immune system attacks any foreign agent that it doesn’t identify as its own and starts to kill it to avoid any harm to the body. But the immune system sometimes also attacks unharmful agents as well like in case of allergies and also with transplants and sometimes it could be overactive causing autoimmune diseases which are dangerous.  So whenever a foreign agent enters the body and comes in contact with an immune cell, it attaches with its receptors which induce changes in the cell. When the foreign agent attaches to immune cells that are cytokine producing cells, cytokines will be produced. Cytokines are proteins responsible for starting and stopping inflammation and bind with receptors of other cells and help in cell proliferation, direct immune cells to the site of infection, direct immune cells to produce antibodies to kill the pathogen and they also store this memory about the pathogen and how to kill it, so that if it enters the body again shortly, the body can kill it and this time it is quicker to respond.  Understanding connection between immune system, endocrine system and nervous system: The interaction between the Endocrine, immune, and nervous system is called the immune neuroendocrine network. The brain can control the immune system through the neuroendocrine network or by the autonomic nervous system which produces chemicals which bind to immune cells, similarly the immune system can communicate with the brain by using its chemical messengers (Ader, 2001). The chemical messengers used by the immune system to communicate with the brain are cytokines – when cytokines reach the brain, they are able to signal the brain that

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Good Health and Well-being
Abhishek Kumar

Air Pollution and Human Health

By Abhishek Kumar Abstract:  Air pollution is a major issue affecting both climate change and public health, leading to increased disease and mortality. Key pollutants like particulate matter (PM), ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals can cause serious health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and central nervous system disorders. Climate change exacerbates the spread of infectious diseases and natural disasters. Addressing this crisis requires public awareness and a collaborative effort from scientific experts and organizations to find sustainable solutions. Introduction Air pollution” refers to the harmful impact of chemicals, gases, or particles on the atmosphere. These contaminants are so dangerous that they contribute to millions of deaths and health issues every year. In addition, they can harm living organisms, including crops, animals, and plants. Air pollution also leads to problems such as haze, acid rain, cancer, respiratory diseases, and the depletion of the ozone layer, which exacerbates global warming. Studies show that air pollution impairs children’s cognitive abilities in school, reduces the working hours of farm laborers, and negatively affects overall economic productivity (Almetwally  et al., 2020). Air pollution serves as a key driver of climate change and is viewed as one of the most pressing environmental challenges that humanity faces in the twenty-first century. Its impacts are far-reaching, affecting ecosystems, human health, and the stability of our climate, making it a critical issue that requires urgent attention and action (Matson 2001). The primary reason for conducting studies on air pollution is its significant impact on health. Air pollution has serious and harmful effects on well-being, leading to various health issues and illnesses. As a result, it has become a major global threat to human health and overall welfare, highlighting the urgent need for research and intervention in this critical area (Kampa and Castanas 2008). The pollutants can lead to discomfort, various diseases, and millions of fatalities annually. Additionally, they can harm vegetation and affect other living organisms, including animals and food crops. Air pollution can affect the quality of soil and water bodies by contaminating precipitation that falls into these environments (Change, 2023) . The Air Quality Index (AQI), established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), measures daily air pollution levels and assesses their short-term health impacts. It is based on standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and focuses on pollutants like PM2.5 or PM10, requiring data from at least three pollutants. The AQI is divided into six categories to help people understand how air quality affects health. An AQI of 0-50 is considered excellent, with minimal risk to health, while 51-100 indicates moderate air quality with some concern for sensitive individuals. AQI levels between 101-150 are classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as those with lung disease, the elderly, and children. When AQI reaches 151-200, it becomes unhealthy for everyone, with more severe effects on vulnerable groups. Levels between 201-300 are very unhealthy, posing serious health risks to all. An AQI above 300 is hazardous, signaling emergency conditions that can affect the entire population. Air pollutants types Air pollutants are classified into four primary categories. Gaseous pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are emitted by vehicles and industrial activities, leading to problems like smog, acid rain, and respiratory diseases. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including substances like dioxins and PCBs, are long-lasting compounds that pose health risks through bioaccumulation and are produced by industrial processes and waste incineration. Heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, are toxic elements released in small amounts from vehicles and industries, but they can still cause significant harm to human health. Lastly, particulate matter (PM) consists of microscopic solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, which can cause respiratory issues when inhaled (Kampa & Castanas, 2008) .  Sources of Air Pollution  Air pollution stems from various sources: mobile sources like vehicles, stationary sources such as power plants and factories, area sources including agricultural and urban areas, and natural sources like wildfires and volcanoes. Each contributes uniquely to air quality degradation, highlighting the diverse origins of pollutants in the atmosphere. Air pollution is a major global issue, causing a significant number of deaths each year. The World Health Organization reports that around 2.4 million people die annually due to air pollution, with indoor pollution responsible for 1.5 million of these fatalities. In the U.S., over 500,000 deaths per year are linked to inhaling fine particles from pollution. Studies reveal a strong connection between pneumonia-related deaths and vehicle emissions. Remarkably, air pollution claims more lives globally than traffic accidents. It also worsens asthma, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, while reducing life expectancy. However, advancements in diesel engine technology offer the potential to save many lives and reduce hospitalizations annually.(Sharma et al., n.d.). Impact on Human health Air toxics pose serious health risks across various organ systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and dermatological systems. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of cancer and disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Respiratory conditions like asthma and lung cancer are commonly linked to pollutants such as particulate matter and ozone. Cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and hypertension, are closely associated with air pollution, particularly traffic-related pollutants like nitrogen dioxide. Neurological and psychiatric disorders, along with long-term effects such as skin aging and potential carcinogenic risks, have also been observed. There is strong evidence suggesting a link between air pollution and autism spectrum disorders, possibly due to endocrine disruption (Ghorani-Azam et al., 2016). Air pollution is a major global issue, causing a significant number of deaths each year. The World Health Organization reports that around 2.4 million people die annually due to air pollution, with indoor pollution responsible for 1.5 million of these fatalities. In the U.S., over 500,000 deaths per year are linked to inhaling fine particles from pollution. Studies reveal a strong connection between pneumonia-related deaths and vehicle emissions. Remarkably, air pollution claims

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