India's battle against air pollution intensifies, World Diabetes Day, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on November 13 top news

INDIA'S BATTLE AGAINST AIR POLLUTION INTENSIFIES: India faces a severe air pollution crisis, exacerbated by Diwali festivities, as New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai rank among the world's top 10 most polluted cities. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared to hazardous levels, demanding urgent action. Despite annual bans on firecrackers, enforcement remains lax. The post-Diwali AQI in New Delhi hit an alarming 680, prompting delayed restrictions on vehicle use. A comprehensive, proactive approach is imperative, including stringent enforcement, sustainable solutions for vehicular and industrial emissions, public awareness campaigns, and governmental investment. The looming health threat underscores the need for immediate and sustained efforts to combat air pollution in India. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

CALL TO ACTION ON WORLD DIABETES DAY: November 14 marks World Diabetes Day, an initiative to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on millions of lives. While the focus often centres on blood sugar management, it's crucial to delve into a lesser-explored aspect — the intricate relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular health. The numbers are alarming: About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting the body's insulin production or use, is a major contributor to heart disease. Individuals living with diabetes face a heightened risk of cardiovascular complications. Elevated blood sugar levels, indicated by the HbA1C test, play a pivotal role in this narrative. Sustained high blood sugar can inflict damage on blood vessels, impacting the heart. This World Diabetes Day, let's shed light on the imperative need for holistic diabetes management, emphasising the critical connection between diabetes and heart health. (Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

HOLLYWOOD STARS ARE BACK IN ACTION: After nearly four months of striking, Hollywood actors are all set to swing back to work in full force. Last week, the rebelling talents and studios struck a deal that made sense to both teams. So, what does that mean? Splashy premieres and red carpet events will once again light up our lives, and Ryan Reynolds' 'Deadpool 3' with Hugh Jackman will resume shooting soon. Shows including 'The White Lotus' and 'Yellowjackets' will also be back on track with their new seasons. The Emmys, which were pushed from September to January next year, will also take place. There's no denying that the strikes cost movie-mad fans heavily since they missed reading interviews with their favorite Hollywood idols, but we are glad that the negotiations worked out between the striking actors and the studios. The show will now go on and we couldn’t be more thrilled at this development. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)