A dense layer of smog shrouded Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday morning, sharply reducing visibility as the air quality plunged to "very poor" levels.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 349 as of 6 a.m. NCR cities also witnessed poor air quality, with AQI readings of 196 in Faridabad, 266 in Gurugram, 276 in Ghaziabad, 289 in Greater Noida, and 269 in Noida.
The highest AQI reading within Delhi was at Aya Nagar, where levels reached a "severe" 406, with many other parts of the capital recording AQI levels between 300 and 400.
According to IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality monitoring organisation, Delhi's AQI had even reached 1,133 in certain areas earlier, categorising the pollution as "hazardous," with PM2.5 identified as the main pollutant.
The thick smog, accompanied by moderate fog and mist, caused poor visibility in the early hours. Experts anticipate the hazy conditions will persist into the evening, posing heightened health risks for residents, particularly those with respiratory concerns.
Delhi's AQI has remained "very poor" since October 30, with levels initially recorded at 307. The seasonal spike in pollution levels is largely attributed to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, as farmers clear fields post-harvest in October and November.
Air quality levels in parts of Punjab and Haryana were also concerning, with many areas recorded in the "poor" range and Chandigarh, the shared capital, in the "very poor" category with an AQI of 349 as of Tuesday night. Punjab saw 83 new instances of farm fires, bringing the season's tally to 7,112.
The CPCB classifies AQI as follows: 0-50 is "good," 51-100 "satisfactory," 101-200 "moderate," 201-300 "poor," 301-400 "very poor," 401-450 "severe," and above 450 as "severe plus."
More relief, medical supplies: India continues humanitarian aid to Myanmar
In a heartwarming gesture, Myo Aung, the Chief Minister of Mandalay, visited the facility, witnessing first hand the compassionate care being extended. The Indian Army shared this on X on Tuesday with a few photos.
India, Thailand bilateral trade ties set to strengthen during PM Modi's visit
The recent years saw increased investment from Thailand in India in infrastructure, real estate, agro processing, electronics, automotive, food processing sectors, the hotel hospitality sector and the renewable energy sector.
Uproar in Lok Sabha as SP leads Oppn protest over Waqf Bill
The four-day last leg of Parliament Budget Session 2025 kicked off on an acrimonious note on Tuesday with Opposition MPs forcing an adjournment in the Lok Sabha amid protests led by Samajwadi Party members over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
PM Modi and Chilean President hold bilateral talks at Hyderabad House
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font at the Hyderabad House, where the two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral engagement across economic, commerce and societal domains.
EAM Jaishankar, Chilean Prez Boric discuss long-standing bilateral ties
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font and discussed ways to strenghthen long-standing bilateral ties.
Bengal illegal factory blast: Death toll rises to 8, owners absconding
The police have started a massive search operation at Patharpratima and its adjacent areas to track the two owners of the illegal firecracker factory, Chandrakanta Banik and Tushar Banik, who have gone absconding since the blast took place at around 10 p.m. on Monday.
Commercial LPG cylinder prices cut by Rs 41 in relief for businesses
In a big relief for industries and businesses that rely heavily on cooking fuel, oil marketing companies on Tuesday announced a price cut of Rs 41 on commercial LPG gas cylinders (19 kilograms).
Yunus statement on northeastern states offensive, condemnable: Assam CM Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the statement of Bangladesh interim government’s chief advisor Muhammad Yunus regarding the seven states of northeast is offensive and condemnable.