China's smog-prone northern province of Hubei met its air quality targets by a big margin during the winter after concerted efforts to tackle emissions, a local official said on Sunday, without mentioning coronavirus-related factory shutdowns.
Average PM2.5 concentrations between October and March dropped 15 per cent compared with the previous year to 61 micrograms per cubic metre.
Sulphur dioxide also fell by a third, said He Litao of the provincial environmental bureau.
Most experts have attributed the significant reduction in air pollution throughout China in the first quarter of the year to the coronavirus outbreak and tough containment measures, which put cities and entire provinces in lockdown and sharply reduced traffic and industrial activity throughout the country.
With millions of people staying at home, concentrations of lung-damaging PM2.5 particles fell by about 15 per cent in more than 300 Chinese cities in the first three months of the year.
In Shanghai, emissions fell by about 20 per cent in the first quarter of the year, while in Wuhan, where the pandemic originated, monthly averages dropped more than a third compared to last year.
However, Mr He attributed the local decline in pollution to the "conscientious implementation" of government initiatives, even in the face of unfavourable weather conditions.
According to a winter action plan published last year, 10 cities in Hubei were expected to cut PM2.5 concentrations by up to 6 per cent compared with the previous year.
Despite the decline, average PM2.5 concentrations were still much higher than China's official standard of 35 micrograms and the 10 micrograms recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers
Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades
Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic
First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations
Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades
Improve the appearance of textbooks
Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings
Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught
Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Five healthy carbs and how to eat them
Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand
Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat
Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar
Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices
Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants
Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
