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Candida auris is an emerging global public health threat and is resistant to most antifungal agents. Though fungi are significant pathogens for animals, the role of C. auris in animal health remains unexplored. Here, we analysed the microbial cultures of skin and ear swabs of 87 dogs in Delhi and performed fungal meta-barcode sequencing of ear and skin samples of 7 dogs with confirmed otitis externa (OE). Overall, 4.5% of dogs (4/87) with chronic skin infections contained evidence of C. auris in their ear canal (n = 3) and on their skin surface (n = 1). Of the three OE dogs with C. auris infection/colonisation, a diversity of fungi was observed, and their meta-barcode ITS sequence reads for C. auris ranged from 0.06% to 0.67%. Whole-genome sequencing of six C. auris strains obtained in culture from two dogs showed relatedness with Clade I clinical strains. The report highlights the isolation of C. auris from an animal source; however, the routes of transmission of this yeast to dogs and the clinical significance of transmission between dogs and humans remain to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delhi, a tropical Indian megacity, experiences one of the most severe air pollution in the world, linked with diverse anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions. First phase of COVID-19 lockdown in India, implemented during 25 March to 14 April 2020 resulted in a dramatic near-zeroing of various activities (e.g. traffic, industries, constructions), except the "essential services". Here, we analysed variations in the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over the Delhi-National Capital Region. Measurements revealed large reductions (by 40–70%) in PM2.5 during the first week of lockdown (25–31 March 2020) as compared to the pre-lockdown conditions. However, O3 pollution remained high during the lockdown due to non-linear chemistry and dynamics under low aerosol loading. Notably, events of enhanced PM2.5 levels (300–400 µg m−3) were observed during night and early morning hours in the first week of April after air temperatures fell close to the dew-point (~ 15–17 °C). A haze formation mechanism is suggested through uplifting of fine particles, which is reinforced by condensation of moisture following the sunrise. The study highlights a highly complex interplay between the baseline pollution and meteorology leading to counter intuitive enhancements in pollution, besides an overall improvement in air quality during the COVID-19 lockdown in this part of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Urban systems are the engines of economic growth. Urbanisation significantly contributes to economic, social, and physical transformation. This transformation is supported by infrastructure services. The pace of urbanisation and industrialisation of Delhi city has not only burdened transport system but also has produced detrimental impact on human development, environment and urban ecosystem. The basic concept of co-benefits is applied to understand the multiple dimension of transport policy beyond its intended benefit. Authors in this research have quantified the benefits and co-benefits of different implemented policies and technology intervention done by the government from 2001 to 2015 in Delhi, the capital city of India, and have observed that the emissions from all vehicles have been steadily increasing despite sincere efforts done by the planners due to increase in number of vehicles in the city. The paper concluded with plausible findings and strategies for emission reduction, and benefits and co-benefits of Delhi Metro system in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]