North Indian Region Research Articles

Satellite sensed summer monsoon torrential rain events characteristics along the Himalayan regions of North India and their dynamics

In the past three decades, the total number of extreme rainfall events over northern India has increased, which majorly caused flooding and landslides over the Himalayan foothills and the north Indian region. Some extreme events are reported as torrential rainfall or cloudburst events; others are linked with large-scale weather systems. In this article, we identified extreme precipitation events over northern India during the summer monsoon season using satellite-sensed high-resolution precipitation. Historically noted cloudbursts were selected from these extreme events to study the mechanisms behind their development. The cloudburst events were classified into five primary classes, C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5, based on the large-scale weather systems in the lower, middle, and upper troposphere. A detailed understanding of each class of cloudburst has been carried out to know the precursors for their formation, the dynamical mechanism involved in their development, and the thermodynamic features responsible for causing extreme rainfall. It is found that cloudburst events of classes C1, C2, and C3 are seen during the active monsoon season. Classes C4 and C5 cloudburst events are linked with the monsoon hiatus/break period. In the active monsoon season, these cloudburst events are associated with lower atmosphere cyclonic circulation over the head Bay of Bengal in class C1, and cyclonic circulation centered over Central India in class C2, and East-West oriented low-pressure conveyor system over central India in class C3. Additionally, thermodynamic analysis of each class revealed that class C1, C2, and C3 cloudbursts were associated with the moist instability of the atmosphere during the cloudburst events, where orographic forcing created potential instability and made them intense and overwhelming.

Analysis of clinical profile and role of various prognostic factors in early bone marrow response in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated by Modified Multicenter Protocol (MCP) 841 protocol: Experience from a tertiary care center in North India.

It is important to study the clinical profile of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and assess various prognostic factors implicated in response to induction chemotherapy for optimal treatment outcomes in India. The present study was done to evaluate the clinical profile and to find the correlation of day 7 and day 28 marrow blast response with already established prognostic factors in children with ALL in the region of North India using MCP 841 protocol for all patients. A total of 60 children up to ages 14 years with ALL were given treatment in the form of induction remission (MCP-841 protocol) I1 cycle (induction 1) therapy for 29 days. Complete hemogram for blast cells and bone marrow examination (bone marrow aspiration and, if required, bone marrow biopsy) was done on days 7 and 28 (completion of I1 cycle) to see early bone marrow response. Early response to induction therapy was compared in patients with and without high-risk factors, and results were analyzed statistically. Out of 60 enrolled children, 56 (93.4%) patients were in complete remission at the end of induction 1 cycle. Various risk factors were found to be of prognostic significance in first remission and early response to induction therapy were initial total leukocyte count (TLC) at presentation, immunophenotype of ALL; while other factors including age and sex was not found to be significant. Prevalence and significance of various prognostic factors implicated in pediatric ALL tend to be different in various populations. A better understanding of such factors in these populations will help in the tailoring of risk-adapted treatment protocols to local needs.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Lifestyle-Related Behavior Among the General Population.

Coronavirus has affected more than 200 countries around the world. Due to lockdowns, people have limited outdoor activities and started adopting new and healthy lifestyle behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle-related behavior. Data were collected from different regions of North India using Google Forms (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA) with the help of astandardized questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.The p-value was set at <0.05. A total of 468 responses were recorded (mean age: 28.51 years). A significant improvement was found in the intake of fruits and vegetables as well as pulses, eggs, or meat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participation in household chores and screen time in watching mobile or television were significantly increased. The majority (44.4%) of participants had stable weight, and 37.8% gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. The anxiety they felt in a day also increased, which was predominantly due to fear of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant association was found between physical activity scores and gender, residence, nature of work, and hours of work of study subjects. There is an improvement in healthy eating behavior, quality of sleep, and participation in household chores during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, domains of lifestyle can be explored to bring a positive style of living for the achievement of healthy lifestyle behavior by the general population.

Risk Factor in Carcinoma Esophagus in Punjab Region of North India

Risk Factor in Carcinoma Esophagus in Punjab Region of North India

Genomic Determinants and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Clinical Isolates of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Escherichia coli

The growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a worldwide public health apprehension, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most commonly implicated bacterial species. Among E. coli isolates, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains have been identified as a key contributor to antibiotic resistance. Penicillin’s, cephalosporins, and monobactams are only a few of the β-lactam antibiotics that can be rendered inactive by ESBLs. This investigation’s goals were to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates found in clinical samples and to analyze the distribution of the blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M genes among them. Additionally, we aimed to determine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these isolates to other antibiotics. Clinical isolates from urine, ear swab, and wound/pus swabs were collected from patients with suspected E. coli bacterial infections from different regions of north India viz., SKIMS-JVC medical college and NABL accredited Dr. Qadri’s Lab both from Srinagar Kashmir valley region and SMSR, SU from Greater Noida UP. Standard laboratory techniques were used to identify E. coli isolates, and the combined disc method and other phenotypic confirmation techniques were used to confirm ESBL formation. PCR amplification and sequencing were used to find the blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M genes. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of various bacteria to different antibiotics. A total of 210 E. coli isolates were collected from different clinical samples and only 158 isolates showed positive results for ESBL by DDST and phenotypic confirmatory tests. Of these, 124 (78.48%) were ESBL-producing isolates. We found that blaTEM was the most prevalent gene (45.16%), followed by blaCTX-M (34.16%) and blaSHV (12.09%). Antimicrobial resistance profiles were assessed for each of the 120 isolates. Ampicillin and Cefepime were the most resistant drugs to ESBL-producing isolates, followed by Gentamicin, Ceftriaxone, and Cefixime.

Sexual Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus – An Observational Cohort Study

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to assess the prevalence and type of sexual dysfunction (SD) in males and females living with diabetes mellitus and to further assess erectile dysfunction in males who score more than 10 points in the Arizona Sexual Experience (ASEX) scale with help of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scale. Materials and Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted on 153 diabetic patients visiting SGRDIMSR hospital, Vallah, Sri Amritsar in the Punjab region of North India. Patients aged between 18 and 50 years who were sexually active and in a healthy sexual relationship with their partner were included in the study after an informed consent. ASEX score was used for the assessment of SD and males who score more than 10 points were further assessed for erectile dysfunction with the help of IIEF-5 scale. SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp., Chicago, was used for data analysis. Results: SD was prevalent in 64.05% ( n = 98) of study participants overall, 65.9% ( n = 5) in female and 61.5% ( n = 40) in male groups, respectively. Mean scores of each sexual domain were drive (3.85 ± 1.10) &gt; overall satisfaction (3.34 ± 1.06) &gt; orgasm (3.14 ± 0.96) &gt; arousal (3.11 ± 0.84) &gt; erection/lubrication (2.65 ± 0.82) in that order. 69.84% of male diabetic had some degree of erectile dysfunction as assessed further by IIEF-5 score. The prevalence of SD was found to be higher in patients belonging to elderly age group ( P = 0.001), longer duration of diabetes ( P = 0.001), and deteriorating glycemic control ( P = 0.001). Conclusion: Diabetes-related SD is quite prevalent in diabetic patients with 6 out of every 10 patients experiencing this problem. Thus, sexuality needs to be discussed frequently and openly with diabetic patients. In our study, factors such as elderly age of the patient, longer duration of diabetes, and worsening glycemic control of the patient are found to increase the prevalence of SD. Furthermore, the prevalence is higher in patients who already have existing complications of diabetes such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or albuminuria.

NMR spectroscopy-based analysis of gallstones of cancerous and benign gallbladders from different geographical regions of the Indian subcontinent.

Analysis of the chemical composition of gallstones is vital for the etiopathogenesis of gallstone diseases that can ultimately help in the prevention of its formation. In the present study, gallstones from seven different regions of India were analyzed to highlight the major difference in their composition. Also, gallstones of different pathological conditions i.e., benign (chronic cholecystitis, CC) and malignant gallbladder disease (gallbladder cancer GBC) were characterized. The type of polymorphs of cholesterol molecules was also studied to provide insight into the structure of gallstones. 1H solution state NMR spectroscopy 1D experiments were performed on a total of 94 gallstone (GS) samples collected from seven different geographical regions of India. Solid-State NMR spectroscopy 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) experiments were done on the 20 CC GS samples and 20 GBC GS samples of two regions. 1H NMR spectra from the solution state NMR of all the stones reveal that cholesterol was a major component of the maximum stones of the north India region while in south Indian regions, GS had very less cholesterol. 13C CPMAS experiments reveal that the quantity of cholesterol was significantly more in the GS of CC in the Lucknow region compared with GBC stones of Lucknow and Chandigarh. Our study also revealed that GS of the Lucknow region of both malignant and benign gallbladder diseases belong to the monohydrate crystalline form of cholesterol while GS of Chandigarh region of both malignant and benign gallbladder diseases exists in both monohydrate crystalline form with the amorphous type and anhydrous form. Gallstones have a complicated and poorly understood etiology. Therefore, it is important to understand the composition of gallstones, which can be found in various forms and clinical conditions. Variations in dietary practices, environmental conditions, and genetic factors may influence and contribute to the formation of GS. Prevention of gallstone formation may help in decreasing the cases of gallbladder cancer.

First Molecular Confirmed Outbreak of Malignant Ovine Theileriosis in Sheep from North India.

Malignant ovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease of sheep and goats, caused by protozoan Theileria lestoquardi. The disease has serious economic implications for small ruminant production around the world. An outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis in a sheep flock was investigated from Hisar district of Haryana, India, in March 2022. The etiological agent was identified using polymerase chain reaction assay with genus specific primers targeting 18S rRNA gene and subsequently confirmed by sequencing. The morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate reported in the outbreak were 22.2, 18.8 and 85%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis clustered the present study T. lestoquardi isolate in the same clade with T. lestoquardi from Iraq, Iran and Pakistan with maximum nucleotide identity of 99.37% with strains from Iraq. The tick vector Hyalomma anatolicum recovered from dead animals was implicated in the disease's transmission. Malignant ovine theileriosis resulted in high case fatality rate. This study presents the first molecularly confirmed outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis outbreak in the North Indian region, with characteristic post-mortem findings.

Shaping Investment Decisions Through Financial Literacy: Do Herding and Overconfidence Bias Mediate the Relationship?

The present study aims to answer the question of whether herding and overconfidence bias serially mediate the relationship between financial literacy with equity investors’ decision-making in the Indian stock market. A survey method was deployed to collect primary data from 436 individual equity investors in the north Indian region. PLS-SEM has been used to examine the serial mediation-based model proposed for the study. Financial literacy was found to have a considerable favourable influence on individual investors’ decision-making. The relationship between financial literacy and investors’ decision-making was found to be serially mediated by herding and overconfidence bias. The study proposes that investors should attend financial market courses, training programs, conferences and seminars to improve their financial literacy and understanding, allowing them to overcome behavioural biases, and will improve their decision-making.

Physiology and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes in Response to Different Sowing Dates in Semi Arid Regions of North India

Background: Climate change causes variation in global temperature in last two decades which causes detrimental effects on agricultural crops being grown in arid and semi-arid regions. Chickpea crop sensitive to variation in temperature as the late-sown crop is exposed to high temperatures ( greater than 35°C) at its reproductive stage in the months of February and March and early sown crops is exposed to low temperature ( less than 5°C) at its vegetative stage in December and January so optimum sowing time plays a vital role for overall growth and development of the plants. Methods: The experiment comprising of three sowing dates that is 15th October (early sown condition in Haryana), 15th November (Normal sown condition in Haryana) and 15th December (late sown condition in Haryana) with ten chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes namely ICCV 88503, ICCV 92944, HC-1, HC-3, HC-5, H12-64, H13-01, H13-02, H14-01 and H14-04 in randomized block design during Rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Pulses Section, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar Result: Statistically no significant differences in seed yield was recorded between 15th October and 15th November sowing, however, further delay in sowing to 15th December showed significant reduction in seed yield while maximum values for recorded physiological parameters in chickpea genotypes were found in 15th November sowing and minimum in 15th December sowing. Among genotypes maximum physiological parameters and seed yield were observed in H12-64 and H13-01 while minimum were found in H14-04.

Estimation of crustal strain in Kashmir Himalayan region of north India using continuous GPS measurements

Global positioning system (GPS) measurements of crustal deformation provide insight into the crustal plate velocity and strain rate variation in the actively deforming Earth's crust. GPS measurements in the Kashmir Himalaya indicate that most of the crustal motion between the Indian Plate and southern China is accommodated along the Himalayan arc, resulting in the accumulation of crustal strain and locking of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). Here, we present geodetically estimated spatial and temporal crustal strain rates in the Kashmir Himalaya from GPS measurements to understand the nature of crustal deformation. We processed and analysed GPS data from 21 sites across Kashmir Himalaya along with several IGS sites. We find that the average deformation rate of the GPS sites in Kashmir Himalaya with reference to the Indian Plate range between 2.8 and 15.5 ± 1 mm/year. The GPS results illustrate that the strain rate field is dominated by a compression component with its rate as 7.2 × 10−8 strain/year and the maximum shear strain, γmax, of 1.9 × 10−7 strain/year. The earthquake focal mechanisms suggest that earthquake activity in the Kashmir Himalaya is predominantly manifested in the form of thrust motion. The maximum principal shear strain value reflects that the Kashmir Himalaya is under NE–SW compressional regime. The spatial distribution of crustal strain indicates that the region north‐east of Kashmir Valley is accumulating maximum strain, resulting in the stress build‐up and could be the region of a future large earthquake.

The Song of Food

“The Song of Food” brings to light a relationship that exists between the soundscape and the foodscape of a geographical location. The research studies the rhymes or songs that are sung by food-selling hawkers in North Indian markets. The article establishes that the relevance of these songs is definitely beyond the transaction of buying, selling, and consuming food, and discovers the socio-economic and socio-cultural dimension that reflects from these songs. The findings reveal that how nativity, geography, and economic status are inherently adopted while composing these songs. Oblivious to the fact that how they have added another sense to food, beyond taste, vision and smell, the sense of sound, these hawkers have introduced social intimacy to a simple buying and selling process. The article talks about few such food products and their selling calls from Hindi- and Punjabi-speaking regions of North India.

Genetic association analysis of rs662799 ( − 1131A > G) polymorphism of APOA5 gene with morphometric and physio-metric traits using multiplex PCR

BackgroundThe apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene, significantly expressed in liver, has been involved in regulation of triglyceride metabolism, plasma lipid levels, serum adipokine levels and cardiovascular traits. A single-nucleotide polymorphism rs662799 ( − 1131A > G), 2 Kb upstream in the promoter region of this gene, causes decrease in the concentration of the product coded by this gene; hence, it may be responsible for impairments in normal function of the gene, ultimately leading to disease condition. Keeping in view the importance of APOA5 gene, the aim of the present study was to examine the association of genetic variant rs662799 of APOA5 gene with two quantitative traits simultaneously, viz. body mass index and blood pressure.ResultsThe study involved a population of 246 subjects from North Indian region. Measurements of morphometric and physio-metric parameters were recorded using standard measures. Genotyping of APOA5 gene polymorphism (rs662799) using Tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR was performed. Statistical analyses were carried out using MS-Excel and SigmaPlot, and significance level was setup as p < 0.05. The allelic distribution of rs662799 polymorphism in this population was 77% for major allele (A) and 23% for minor allele (G). Significant association of rs662799 with increased body mass index and blood pressure was observed, with the presence of allele G. Under recessive genetic model, rs662799 polymorphism conferred a 17.71-fold risk of elevated body mass index (OR = 17.71, p < 0.001, CI (95%) = 4.05–77.46), and for increase in blood pressure, 3.79- and 3.83-fold risk of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 3.792, p = 0.023, CI (95%) = 1.25–11.509 and OR = 3.83, p = 0.012, CI (95%) = 1.375–10.68, respectively) was observed. Under dominant genetic model, it showed a 3.060-fold risk of increase in body mass index (OR = 3.060, p < 0.001, CI (95%) = 1.78–5.25).ConclusionsG allele of rs662799 of APOA5 gene showed significant susceptible association with BMI and BP. This study may be helpful for clinicians and researchers to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the gene in question.

Association of Pseudomonas oryzihabitans with grain discoloration, panicle blight and chaffiness of rice in North India

Rice is the dominant cereal crop of North India. It is regularly affected by grain discoloration and chaffiness of panicles during maturity of the crop. Lack of effective management practices for this problem has been a major concern among farmers in the region. Farmers give many sprays of fungicides due to the already reported association of fungal pathogens but fail to achieve the required control of this malady. It is necessary to know the correct etiology of this disease to successfully devise management options against this disease. We report the existence of Pseudomonas oryzihabitans associated with grain discoloration, panicle blight, and chaffiness of rice from the Punjab region of North India for the first time. During Kharif 2021, panicle blight symptoms (disease incidence 20–25%, cultivar PR 114) were observed in rice fields of three districts. These blighted panicles were partially filled or grains were aborted causing chaffiness in many panicles. Yellow-colored smooth, circular colonies of bacteria were obtained from the diseased panicles. The associated bacterium was identified as a rod-shaped, gram-negative P. oryzihabitans based on biochemical characterization, Scanning Electron Microscope imaging, and sequencing of the 16S rDNA region along with housekeeping genes rpoD and gyrB. The pathogenicity of the bacterium was tested in the fields during Kharif 2021 and Kharif 2022.The study demonstrated that the bacterial pathogen, P. oryzihabitans should be considered as one of the cause of grain discoloration and chaffiness of rice in Punjab region of India and management options for bacterial grain discoloration, panicle blight and chaffiness should be worked out for effective management of this disease.

Asia Faces a Growing Threat From Intraseasonal Compound Weather Whiplash

AbstractThe sudden swings between drought/heat and pluvial could cause adverse impacts far surpassing the sum of their individual effect. We propose a concept of intraseasonal “compound whiplash event” (CWE) to investigate sudden swings between wet and the compounding warm‐dry events and their changes under climate change. We find that global warming would likely escalate the compound whiplash frequency to two to three and half times (two to three times) by the end of the 21st century under the business‐as‐usual scenario (mitigated scenario). The growing threat of CWE not only stems from the increasing occurrence but also from its intensified severity and extended spatial coverage. Among all sub‐regions, East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) region would expect the largest intensification. The resulting population exposure would soar two‐to‐three‐fold over Asia. Populous regions such as North India and EASM region might face a much worse situation than the western China where population is sparse and projected to decline. Moreover, the seasonality of swings with opposite directions would further split as a response to the skewed Asian monsoon annual cycle, leading to more frequent heat‐drought to pluvial swings in spring, and more opposite‐direction swings in autumn, disrupting cultivation and water management convention.

The association between different types of cooking fuels and common health problems: north India region

Background: The fuel used for cooking is a major source of indoor air pollution because of inefficient combustion and inadequate ventilation. This study was conducted to see if there is any association between the type of cooking fuel and common health problems in light of inadequate ventilation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; 688 subjects were selected randomly from various sectors and the outlying areas of Surajkund. The impact of indoor air pollution on health was assessed by questionnaires, general physical examination, and pulmonary function testing. Results: One of the key findings of the study has been the implication of LPG, touted as a safe, non-polluting fuel with a definite negative impact on health. There was significantly more breathlessness experienced by LPG users as opposed to the users of wood and cow dung. Though the prevalence of fever in both groups was similar, chest pain, burning of eyes, and fatigue were reported by wood and cow dung users much more frequently. The pulmonary function test showed restrictive pathology in cow dung and wood users, whereas obstructive pathology in LPG users. Conclusions: LPG is considered “clean” fuel because it does not produce visible emissions. However, improper burner design, blocking and clogging of the flue vent, and insufficient combustion air result in improper combustion and the emission of aldehydes, CO, hydrocarbons, and other organics. It would be folly to believe that LPG is harmless. Even a harmless material may become harmful if used inappropriately.

Trend Analysis of Rain Precipitation for Indian States using 1901-2020 IMD dataset

This study explores the greatest yearly precipitation pattern utilizing the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope strategy and assesses the importance of variability utilizing precipitation of all Indian weather stations followed by spectral analysis. The information of these weather conditions stations from 1901 to 2020 was utilized. Original Mann-Kendall test, Modified Mann-Kendall test using Pre-Whitening method, Correlated Seasonal Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope test were applied to identify homogeneity in the information and detected the behaviour of the signal by using spectral analysis. Besides, the critical negative pattern was recorded for overall annual precipitation in some of the regions of North India. In view of the discoveries of progress identification, the most probable year of progress recognition happened principally after 1960 for a huge part of rainfall stations. The rising precipitation pattern was seen between the tenure 1901-1970 while a huge decay in precipitation was seen after 1980. The outcomes from this pattern re-analysis information show that expanding or diminishing precipitation convective rate raised low effect and insufficient in an upward direction coordinated dissimilarity. Discoveries of the review consider the availability of rainfall assets and expansion later on water interest. Also, the resultant spectral signal shows a high peak at Yunnan which is located in Kerala.

Clinico-radiological patterns of cerebral venous thrombosis in adult males working in the mountainous region of North India - A pilot study from tertiary care hospital

Clinico-radiological patterns of cerebral venous thrombosis in adult males working in the mountainous region of North India - A pilot study from tertiary care hospital

Epidemio-toxicological profile of fatal poisoning cases autopsied at a tertiary care centre of North India.

Poisoning is an important health hazard and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide including in India. The study was conducted to understand the magnitude, pattern, and gender differentials of all poisoning fatalities in relation to the manner of death autopsied at a tertiary care center. A retrospective study of all fatal poisoning cases autopsied at the department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology of a tertiary care institute in Northern India for the period 1st January 1998 to 31st December 2017 was conducted, and a profile of the victims of fatal poisoning was prepared. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The study included a total of 1099 cases of fatal poisoning autopsied at the department of Forensic medicine & Toxicology. Suicidal poisoning was reported in 90.2% of cases and accidental poisoning was seen in 8.9% of cases. Males were predominantly affected (63.8%). The majority of the victims were in the 3rd decade (40.0%) of life. The age of the victims ranged from 2 to 82 years with a mean age of 38.4 years. Agrochemical compounds were implicated in 44.4% of the total fatalities. Males in the 2nd to 4th decades of life were more prone to self-poisoning with Agrochemical compounds in the region of North India. Accidental poisoning deaths were uncommon and poisoning was not a preferred method of homicide in this region. Our approach to the study reveals that quantitative chemical (toxicological) analysis is required to further strengthen and improve the databases of the epidemiology of poisoning in this region.

Positive matrix factorization-based receptor modelling of particulate matter in northwest India

India is facing a dearth in the area of particulate matter (PM) source apportionment studies. Frequent exceedances and unusual high concentrations of PM observed in North India further presses the identification and quantification of particulate pollution sources to plan mitigation measures. But most of the PM source apportionment studies performed here are concentrated in and around Delhi, so this paper sets to explore the sources of PM in an understudied region of North India. The present study employed positive matrix factorization (PMF) 5.0 model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) for source characterisation of particulate matter quantified at Mohali in May 2012. Application of US EPA PMF 5.0 to a hybrid dataset of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds identified seven source factors, namingly, dust, wheat residue burning, biofuel use and waste disposal, mixed daytime, cars, two-wheelers) and industrial emissions and solvent use. The contributions of these individual source factors to PM10 and PM2.5 mass loadings were found to be 48.8%, 20.6%, 15.8%, 7.79%, 2.89%, 2.86%, 1.37% and 33.6%, 22.6%, 29.6%, 4.97%, 2.05%, 4.07% and 3.07% respectively. Dust and biomass burning were the major sources of PM in Mohali that contributed relatively highest average concentrations of PM10 (∼321 μg/m3) and PM2.5 (∼123 μg/m3) during morning hours (05:00–10:00 LT) in May 2012. This study reaffirmed the need to check anthropogenic activities and calls for strict air quality measures, especially in May to limit PM emissions in northwest India.