In the Indian city of Mumbai, millions of Hindus just wrapped up the annual, 10-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, a holiday dedicated to the elephant god, Ganesha. The holiday has come under scrutiny, however, because of the environmental damage that results from releasing millions of statues into water bodies across the state each year.
Dharavi is known as the largest informal settlement in Asia, where 1 million people live in 1 square mile of Mumbai. For decades, it’s been slated for redevelopment. Plans are finally taking shape, but debates remain over where people will live and work.
India’s abortion law is progressive, but it is also problematic, says Dr. Suchitra Dalvie, a practicing gynecologist in Mumbai, India. The co-founder and coordinator of the Asia Safe Abortion Partnership unpacked the law and recent amendments to it with The World’s reporter Chhavi Sachdev.
Many households in India use a clay stove fueled by firewood, coal, cow dung, or even dry leaves, paper or plastic — which all emit excessive, harmful smoke. Poor women and children bear the brunt of this insidious indoor pollution.