Air Pollution Crisis: New Delhi woke up to a thick layer of toxic smog as the Air Quality Index touched 377, falling into the ‘severe’ category


Delhi chokes again: AQI hits 'severe' at 377, smog blankets the capital

Delhi’s air quality continues to worsen, with the AQI remaining in the ‘poor’ category for the third consecutive day. In response, authorities are likely to initiate cloud seeding within 2–3 days to induce artificial rain and reduce pollution levels.

Delhi's AQI Worsens: Cloud Seeding Likely in Delhi in 2-3 Days

Lahore has topped global pollution charts with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 412, marking it as the world's most polluted city once again. The city is blanketed in thick smog caused by vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop residue burning. Authorities have issued health warnings and launched a crackdown, including banning stubble burning. 


Lahore Chokes Under Smog, Records Hazardous AQI of 412 

Delhi’s air quality continues to worsen, with the AQI remaining in the ‘poor’ category for the third consecutive day. In response, authorities are likely to initiate cloud seeding within 2–3 days to induce artificial rain and reduce pollution levels.


Toxic Air Is Back in Delhi

Several major cities are grappling with an alarming poor quality of air; some cities consistently perform poorly in the air quality. Here are the top 10 most polluted cities with the poorest air quality in the world

Several major cities are grappling with an alarming poor quality of air; some cities consistently perform poorly in the air quality. Here are the top 10 most polluted cities with the poorest air quality in the world

World pollution rankings 2025: Top 10 most polluted cities in the world

Delhi is preparing for its first-ever cloud seeding operation to tackle record-breaking air pollution. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed a successful artificial rain test in Burari, with the first full-scale seeding expected on October 29. But can engineered rain truly clear Delhi’s toxic air—or is it just a short-term fix? Experts explain how cloud seeding works, its environmental impact, and whether “fake rain” can offer real relief for India’s most polluted city.

What Is Cloud Seeding; Can Artificial Rain Remove Delhi's Pollution?

Delhi's AQI Worsens: Cloud Seeding Likely in Delhi in 2-3 Days 

As the world battles the rising pollution level, a few cities are setting the benchmark in sustainable and urban living. Here are the top 10 cities with the best air quality index, even less than 20.

As the world battles the rising pollution level, a few cities are setting the benchmark in sustainable and urban living. Here are the top 10 cities with the best air quality index, even less than 20.

Cleanest air quality 2025: World's top 10 cities with best air quality index

It's a grim deja vu for Delhi every year. A post-Diwali morning shrouded in thick, toxic haze. Every year the air quality in the national capital nosedives after the festival of lights, but this year’s levels have been especially alarming. Watch this video to find out more.


Delhi air quality remains 'very poor' for 4th straight day 

Do you know which countries have the best air quality in 2025? Explore 10 countries where air is cleanest and know why these nations lead in keeping the environment fresh and safe.

Do you know which countries have the best air quality in 2025? Explore 10 countries where air is cleanest and know why these nations lead in keeping the environment fresh and safe.

Where will you find the cleanest air in the world? Is India on the list?

Delhi leads in India's toxic air amid festivities

New Delhi continues to record the worst air quality among India’s metro cities. The toxic air has been worsened by post-Diwali firecracker pollution and ongoing stubble burning in neighboring states. Residents are facing severe health risks as the air quality index remains in the ‘hazardous’ category.


India: Two days after Diwali, Delhi's AQI continues to deteriorate 

New Delhi: AQI remains in 'very poor' category in the capital post-Diwali

#Gravitas | Just hours after Diwali celebrations ended, residents of New Delhi woke up to a toxic haze blanketing the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to an alarming 999 in several areas — far beyond the “hazardous” level. Firecrackers, stubble burning, and low wind speeds have once again turned Delhi’s air into a health emergency. How bad is the situation? Who’s responsible? And will anything change? Watch our full report from the ground.

Delhi’s Post-Diwali Air Turns Poisonous, AQI Hits 999 in Parts of City

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated on Tuesday morning after a large number of people in the national capital region or NCR celebrated Diwali with firecrackers on Monday night. Thirty-three out of 36 monitoring stations recorded pollution levels in the ‘red zone’, indicating ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ air quality across the national capital.


 India: Delhi NCR wakes to toxic smog, AQI hits hazardous levels

India: Delhi NCR wakes to toxic smog, AQI plummets a day after Diwali

India’s national capital, Delhi, woke up to a blanket of toxic smog as air quality dipped to hazardous levels post-Diwali. The government has now enforced GRAP Stage II (Graded Response Action Plan) in Delhi-NCR to combat worsening pollution. Schools, traffic, and public health are likely to be impacted. Watch for the latest updates on AQI levels, government action, and public response.

India: Delhi Wakes to Toxic Smog | GRAP Stage II Now Active| WION

Fireworks, stubble burning, and cool weather combined to push the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “severe” category in many parts of the city.
Despite a ban on firecrackers, celebrations continued, leaving the capital blanketed in toxic smog.


Delhi’s Air Turns Hazardous: Fireworks, Stubble Burning Worsen Pollution Post-Diwali

The Air Quality Index (AQI) around India Gate was recorded at 269, in the 'Poor' category, in Delhi this morning as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).


India: AQI slips to 'severe' category, Delhi government deploys water sprinklers 

Delhi-NCR and its adjoining areas made it to the list of the cities with the worst air quality today as they logged quite high on the AQI scale. While the AQI in Ghaziabad was recorded at 306 (very poor), it was 278 (very poor) in Manesar, Noida and Rohtak and Hanumangarh and 266 (poor) in Gurugram.


Delhi: Peak festive rush drives vehicular traffic, worsens air quality

The air quality in India’s National Capital has taken a sharp dip, prompting authorities to announce Grap-1 curbs to tackle pollution levels.


India: Air Quality Dips, Grap-1 Curbs Announced in National Capital | CLIMATE TRACKER 

The 2024 World Air Quality Report, published by IQAir, showed that out of 138 countries and regions assessed, 126 (representing 91.3%) exceeded the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) annual guidelines for PM2.5 concentrations. The report highlighted that Central and South Asia host the world’s top seven most polluted cities, with India being home to 13 of the 20 cities as the most polluted.However, the 2025 World Air Quality Report has yet to be released by IQAir. Meanwhile, the ranking of real-time data for the most polluted major city in the world is displayed on the official <a href="https://www.iqair.com/in-en/world-air-quality-ranking?srsltid=AfmBOorBoeXhfiLA2qC0emv58lFOP8kf1h0qewmhBxKAgbd7dvkpjZsY">IQAir</a> website.Here are the top 10 most polluted cities in the world with the worst AQI in 2025 as per real-time data (10:20 a.m.):&nbsp;

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rank</td><td>Cities with country</td><td>AQI</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Lahore, Pakistan</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo &nbsp;</td><td>158</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Santiago, Chile</td><td>154</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Jakarta, Indonesia</td><td>153</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Dubai, United Arab Emirates</td><td>140</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Delhi, India</td><td>122</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Beijing, China&nbsp;</td><td>122</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Kabul, Afghanistan</td><td>110</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Baghdad, Iraq</td><td>107</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Sao Paulo, Brazil</td><td>107</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Note: This is real-time data of &nbsp;IQAir, which is subject to change. To track the changes and more updates, click on the <a href="https://www.iqair.com/in-en/world-air-quality-ranking?srsltid=AfmBOorBoeXhfiLA2qC0emv58lFOP8kf1h0qewmhBxKAgbd7dvkpjZsY">link</a>.&nbsp;

Real-time data of polluted cities in the world by IQAir.

The World Air Quality Report is released by Swiss company IQAir, which is a private company founded in 1963. Other than providing a report on global air quality, it is also an air quality technology company, specialised in protection against airborne pollutants, and developing air quality monitoring and air cleaning products.&nbsp;The company was established by Manfred and Klaus Hammes, who developed an air filtration system for residential coal ovens in Germany to combat the accumulation of black soot on walls behind the ovens.<h3>What Global Air 2024 report say?</h3>According to the State of Global Air 2024 report, air pollution was responsible for approximately 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, ranking as the second highest risk factor for mortality, including among children under the age of five.Nearly 90 per cent of these deaths were caused by noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 2021 alone, air pollution was linked to over 700,000 deaths in children under five, accounting for 15% of all global deaths in that age group.Meanwhile, the report also suggests that ambient PM 2.5 levels are decreasing or stabilising in many regions globally. Annually, the average exposures were seen in South Asia, East, West, Central, and Southern Africa; North Africa; and the Middle East. And, eight of the ten countries with the highest PM 2.5 exposures are from Africa, and the remaining two are in the Middle East.

The 2025 World Air Quality Report by IQAir has not been published yet. However, real-time rankings of the most polluted major cities are currently shown on the IQAir website. 

The 2024 World Air Quality Report, published by IQAir, showed that out of 138 countries and regions assessed, 126 (representing 91.3%) exceeded the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) annual guidelines for PM2.5 concentrations. The report highlighted that Central and South Asia host the world’s top seven most polluted cities, with India being home to 13 of the 20 cities as the most polluted. However, the 2025 World Air Quality Report has yet to be released by IQAir. Meanwhile, the ranking of real-time data for the most polluted major city in the world is displayed on the official IQAir website. Here are the top 10 most polluted cities in the world with the worst AQI in 2025 as per real-time data (10:20 a.m.):

The 2025 World Air Quality Report by IQAir has not been published yet. However, real-time rankings of the most polluted major cities are currently shown on the IQAir website.&nbsp;

Real-time: Top 10 most polluted cities in the world with the worst AQI in 2025

Air quality in Gurugram deteriorated to ‘very poor’, almost similar to the air quality of wildfire zones in the United States. According to the report by the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI of Gurugram was recorded at 333 on June 20, compared to the satisfactory AQI of 89 in Delhi. AQI&gt;300 is considered to be hazardous. The Millennium City witnessed one of the worst air quality levels in June.&nbsp;<h2>Reasons behind the spike</h2>Most environmental officials and the CPCB point to anthropogenic (human-made) and meteorological factors as contributing to the hazardous AQI in Gurugram. &nbsp;According to SAFAR data, the city recorded a dangerous amount of ozone concentration, 507 micrograms per cubic meter. Ozone forms when pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react under intense sunlight. The primary purpose could be vehicular emissions major source of PM2.5 and Nitrogen dioxide, which were recorded at 133 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly three times the safe limit. Other anthropogenic activities, like dust and construction activities, contributed to the poor AQI.However, it is to be noted that these data vary according to the source. According to AQI.in, the AQI on June 19 was 112, and a maximum recorded AQI was 152 on June 14. This data collection depends on the location from which it is collected, depending on where the data is pulled from, whether a highway or a residential neighbourhood, these seem to vary.

The AQI of Gurugram deteriorated alarmingly on June 19, recording very poor at 333 compared to the relatively satisfactory quality of Delhi.

Air quality in Gurugram deteriorated to ‘very poor’, almost similar to the air quality of wildfire zones in the United States. According to the report by the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI of Gurugram was recorded at 333 on June 20, compared to the satisfactory AQI of 89 in Delhi. AQI>300 is considered to be hazardous. The Millennium City witnessed one of the worst air quality levels in June. Reasons behind the spike Most environmental officials and the CPCB point to anthropogenic (human-made) and meteorological factors as contributing to the hazardous AQI in Gurugram. According to SAFAR data, the city recorded a dangerous amount of ozone concentration, 507 micrograms per cubic meter. Ozone forms when pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react under intense sunlight. The primary purpose could be vehicular emissions major source of PM2.5 and Nitrogen dioxide, which were recorded at 133 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly three times the safe limit. Other anthropogenic activities, like dust and construction activities, contributed to the poor AQI. However, it is to be noted that these data vary according to the source. According to AQI.in, the AQI on June 19 was 112, and a maximum recorded AQI was 152 on June 14. This data collection depends on the location from which it is collected, depending on where the data is pulled from, whether a highway or a residential neighbourhood, these seem to vary.

The AQI of Gurugram deteriorated alarmingly on June 19, recording very poor at 333 compared to the relatively satisfactory quality of Delhi.

Not Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru- find out this Indian city with alarming poor air quality

ANI: As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital worsened again reaching the 'severe' category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the implemented all actions under Stage-Ill of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR).&nbsp;
"The AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 276 on 28.01.2O25, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 365 at 4:00 PM on 29.O1.2025 owing to variable direction/ calm winds, smoggy situation, lout mixing heights &amp; ventilation coefficients for dispersion of pollutants.&nbsp;
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The forecast from IMD/ IITM suggests similar situations to persist in the coming days," the order signed by the Director (Technical) and member convenor of the sub-committee on GRAP read. "We must record here that if the Commission finds that the AQI goes above 350, as a precautionary measure, Staqe-III measures will have to be immediately implemented. If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day, Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced," it further read. All implementing agencies have been asked to keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extant schedule of GRAP.&nbsp;
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Citizens have also been requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III. Delhi's air quality deteriorated to 'very poor' on Wednesday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 327 at 8 am, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.&nbsp;
On Tuesday, air quality in the national capital was in the "poor" category with AQI at 258, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI rating is categorized as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe).
Disclaimer: This story has been published from ANI feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India News: Citizens have also been requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III. All implementing agencies have been asked to keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extant schedule of GRAP. 

ANI: As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital worsened again reaching the 'severe' category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the implemented all actions under Stage-Ill of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR). "The AQI of Delhi which was recorded as 276 on 28.01.2O25, exhibited a sharp increasing trend and has been recorded 365 at 4:00 PM on 29.O1.2025 owing to variable direction/ calm winds, smoggy situation, lout mixing heights & ventilation coefficients for dispersion of pollutants. Also Read | Delhi Assembly polls: Congress promises Rs 2,500 per month, 33% reservation for women in manifesto The forecast from IMD/ IITM suggests similar situations to persist in the coming days," the order signed by the Director (Technical) and member convenor of the sub-committee on GRAP read. "We must record here that if the Commission finds that the AQI goes above 350, as a precautionary measure, Staqe-III measures will have to be immediately implemented. If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day, Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced," it further read. All implementing agencies have been asked to keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extant schedule of GRAP. Also Read | Delhi assembly polls: PM Modi hits out at Kejriwal over his ‘poisoning Yamuna’ remark Citizens have also been requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-III. Delhi's air quality deteriorated to 'very poor' on Wednesday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 327 at 8 am, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. On Tuesday, air quality in the national capital was in the "poor" category with AQI at 258, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI rating is categorized as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe). Disclaimer: This story has been published from ANI feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Delhi’s AQI reaches ‘severe’ category, CAQM implements Stage-III GRAP measures

Authorities in the Indian national capital re-imposed stricter pollution curbs Wednesday (Jan 15) as air quality index hovered dangerously close to the 'severe' category. Union government&rsquo;s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) introduced restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)- stage 4. Earlier, GRAP-stage 3 restrictions were imposed on Sunday (Jan 12).
The AQI rose sharply on Wednesday to 386 from 275 a day earlier as dense fog enveloped the city, leading to &ldquo;extremely low mixing height and ventilation coefficient for dispersion of pollutants,&rdquo; said the CAQM. The panel added that the AQI was expected to breach the 400-mark during the day.
"Accordingly, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality and in pursuance of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's directives, the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decides to straightway invoke ALL actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) &amp; also Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality of Delhi) of extant Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force," said the panel in its report.
The Supreme Court of India earlier ordered the stage 4 restrictions must be invoked if the AQI reaches the 400 mark.
<h2>What is not allowed in GRAP-IV?</h2>
Construction activities are banned in Delhi-NCR.
Schools in Delhi-NCR are to conduct classes in online mode. Workplaces are advised to operate with 50 per cent of their staff working from home.
Trucks carrying non-essential goods will be banned from entering Delhi, except those running on LNG, CNG, or electricity.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fog-disrupts-flight-train-services-in-delhi-8612438">Fog disrupts flight, train services in Delhi</a>
Non-essential diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards are banned in Delhi.
Non-essential light commercial vehicles that are registered outside Delhi are not allowed to enter Delhi, except those running on EV, CNG or BS-VI diesel.
<h2>What is allowed under GRAP-IV?</h2>
Small personal constructions are allowed.
Vehicles carrying essential goods are allowed to enter Delhi.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rain-lashes-delhi-ncr-imd-predicts-dense-fog-check-weekly-weather-forecast-here-8611090">Rain lashes Delhi-NCR; IMD predicts dense fog | Check weekly weather forecast here</a>
Trucks operating on LNG, CNG, or electric energy are allowed in Delhi.
Trucks and commercial vehicles adhering to BS-VI diesel emissions standards are allowed in Delhi.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | The AQI rose sharply on Wednesday to 386 from 275 a day earlier as dense fog enveloped the city, leading to “extremely low mixing height and ventilation coefficient.”

Authorities in the Indian national capital re-imposed stricter pollution curbs Wednesday (Jan 15) as air quality index hovered dangerously close to the 'severe' category. Union government’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) introduced restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)- stage 4. Earlier, GRAP-stage 3 restrictions were imposed on Sunday (Jan 12). The AQI rose sharply on Wednesday to 386 from 275 a day earlier as dense fog enveloped the city, leading to “extremely low mixing height and ventilation coefficient for dispersion of pollutants,” said the CAQM. The panel added that the AQI was expected to breach the 400-mark during the day. "Accordingly, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality and in pursuance of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's directives, the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decides to straightway invoke ALL actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) & also Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality of Delhi) of extant Schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi-NCR, in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force," said the panel in its report. The Supreme Court of India earlier ordered the stage 4 restrictions must be invoked if the AQI reaches the 400 mark. What is not allowed in GRAP-IV? Construction activities are banned in Delhi-NCR. Schools in Delhi-NCR are to conduct classes in online mode. Workplaces are advised to operate with 50 per cent of their staff working from home. Trucks carrying non-essential goods will be banned from entering Delhi, except those running on LNG, CNG, or electricity. Also read: Fog disrupts flight, train services in Delhi Non-essential diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards are banned in Delhi. Non-essential light commercial vehicles that are registered outside Delhi are not allowed to enter Delhi, except those running on EV, CNG or BS-VI diesel. What is allowed under GRAP-IV? Small personal constructions are allowed. Vehicles carrying essential goods are allowed to enter Delhi. Also read: Rain lashes Delhi-NCR; IMD predicts dense fog | Check weekly weather forecast here Trucks operating on LNG, CNG, or electric energy are allowed in Delhi. Trucks and commercial vehicles adhering to BS-VI diesel emissions standards are allowed in Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

GRAP-4 restrictions back in Delhi amid soaring AQI: Check what’s allowed and prohibited

Delhi's air quality improved significantly following continuous rainfall, providing relief from toxic pollution. In response, the Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR air quality lifted stringent stage 3 GRAP pollution curbs in the capital and surrounding areas, effective immediately. However, stage 2 GRAP restrictions remain in effect across the region. Watch in for more details!

India: Delhi Pollution Curbs Eased To GRAP 2

The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people. Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi reached&nbsp;a dangerous peak of 423 with the IMD issuing an orange alert warning that dense fog is expected in the city in&nbsp;the next two days. In other news, five terrorists were killed in a major&nbsp;operation by Indian security forces in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.&nbsp;

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Passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not given life jackets, leading to the tragic demise of at least 13 people. The boat, en route to Elephanta Island, reportedly collided with an Indian Navy speedboat near the Gateway of India.

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The Indian national capital woke up to chilly waves with 7 degrees Celsius battling with poor air quality&nbsp;as the AQI&nbsp;soared&nbsp;to&nbsp;423 on Thursday (19 Dec). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for&nbsp;Delhi and warned that there will be dense fog in the city for the next two days due to western disturbances.

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Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.

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The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people.

The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people. Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi reached a dangerous peak of 423 with the IMD issuing an orange alert warning that dense fog is expected in the city in the next two days. In other news, five terrorists were killed in a major operation by Indian security forces in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Click on the headlines to read more Mumbai boat tragedy: No life jackets given to passengers; navy driver was ‘performing stunts’ Passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not given life jackets, leading to the tragic demise of at least 13 people. The boat, en route to Elephanta Island, reportedly collided with an Indian Navy speedboat near the Gateway of India. Delhi chokes as AQI soars to 423, IMD issues orange alert amid dense fog conditions The Indian national capital woke up to chilly waves with 7 degrees Celsius battling with poor air quality as the AQI soared to 423 on Thursday (19 Dec). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for Delhi and warned that there will be dense fog in the city for the next two days due to western disturbances. Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ as calls grow to amend hijab bill Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’. Security forces gun down five terrorists in India's Jammu-Kashmir, two soldiers injured In a major successful operation by Indian security forces, five terrorists were killed Thursday morning (Dec 19) in an encounter in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Security forces earlier said that a group of terrorists was trapped after suspicious activity was observed in the area. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Zelensky Held Talks With NATO Chief

Morning news brief: Mumbai boat tragedy update; Delhi AQI soars to 423, and more

New Delhi, India 
The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people. Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi reached a dangerous peak of 423 with the IMD issuing an orange alert warning that dense fog is expected in the city in the next two days. In other news, five terrorists were killed in a major operation by Indian security forces in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. 
Click on the headlines to read more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-boat-tragedy-no-life-jackets-given-to-passengers-navy-driver-was-performing-stunts-785131">Mumbai boat tragedy: No life jackets given to passengers; navy driver was ‘performing stunts’</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/19/471973-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-2024-12-19t083058653.jpg"/>
Passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not given life jackets, leading to the tragic demise of at least 13 people. The boat, en route to Elephanta Island, reportedly collided with an Indian Navy speedboat near the Gateway of India.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-as-aqi-soars-to-423-imd-issues-orange-alert-amid-dense-fog-conditions-785156">Delhi chokes as AQI soars to 423, IMD issues orange alert amid dense fog conditions</a>
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The Indian national capital woke up to chilly waves with 7 degrees Celsius battling with poor air quality as the AQI soared to 423 on Thursday (19 Dec). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for Delhi and warned that there will be dense fog in the city for the next two days due to western disturbances.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-dubs-women-as-delicate-flowers-as-calls-grow-to-amend-hijab-bill-785142">Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ as calls grow to amend hijab bill</a>
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Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-forces-gun-down-five-terrorists-in-jammu-kashmir-two-soldiers-injured-785145">Security forces gun down five terrorists in India's Jammu-Kashmir, two soldiers injured</a>
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In a major successful operation by Indian security forces, five terrorists were killed Thursday morning (Dec 19) in an encounter in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Security forces earlier said that a group of terrorists was trapped after suspicious activity was observed in the area.
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New Delhi, India The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people. Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi reached a dangerous peak of 423 with the IMD issuing an orange alert warning that dense fog is expected in the city in the next two days. In other news, five terrorists were killed in a major operation by Indian security forces in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Click on the headlines to read more Mumbai boat tragedy: No life jackets given to passengers; navy driver was ‘performing stunts’ Passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not given life jackets, leading to the tragic demise of at least 13 people. The boat, en route to Elephanta Island, reportedly collided with an Indian Navy speedboat near the Gateway of India. Delhi chokes as AQI soars to 423, IMD issues orange alert amid dense fog conditions The Indian national capital woke up to chilly waves with 7 degrees Celsius battling with poor air quality as the AQI soared to 423 on Thursday (19 Dec). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for Delhi and warned that there will be dense fog in the city for the next two days due to western disturbances. Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ as calls grow to amend hijab bill Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’. Security forces gun down five terrorists in India's Jammu-Kashmir, two soldiers injured In a major successful operation by Indian security forces, five terrorists were killed Thursday morning (Dec 19) in an encounter in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Security forces earlier said that a group of terrorists was trapped after suspicious activity was observed in the area. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Zelensky Held Talks With NATO Chief

According to the latest Lancet study, No one in India lives in areas where the pollution levels are below the recommended level by the World Health Organization. Further, the high levels of pm 2.5 have been associated with 1.5 million deaths a year.

No Indian City Meets Air Quality Standards | WION Climate Tracker | World News

In a major relief for New Delhi, the Supreme Court has eased GRAP-IV (Stage IV) restrictions due to improved air quality. The Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce these measures to GRAP-II (Stage II) but restrained any further relaxation.

In a major relief for New Delhi, the Supreme Court has eased GRAP-IV (Stage IV) restrictions due to improved air quality. The Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce these measures to GRAP-II (Stage II) but restrained any further relaxation. This development is part of ongoing efforts to control severe pollution levels in Delhi, aggravated by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and construction activities. The Court directed the CAQM to consider the adoption of certain precautionary measures as in GRAP-III to be initiated when the Air Quality Index reached 350. When it was 400, the Court made it clear that all severe measures as in GRAP-IV would need to be reimposed. Delhi has improved significantly from 'very poor' to 'moderate' on its AQI. The AQI was recorded Thursday morning at 161. According to the AQI scale, air quality is qualified as: 'moderate' (101-200), 'poor' (201-300), and 'very poor' (301-400). "Considering the data before us, we do not think it will be appropriate at this stage to allow the Commission to go below Stage 2. So we permit the Commission to go to Stage 2 for the present," said Justice Abhay S. Oka, who was part of the bench that heard the case. Although certain areas recorded poor AQI like RK Puram, Mundka, and Shadipur while central areas like ITO and Anand Vihar had better readings. The Supreme Court had previously highlighted that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court has assigned the CAQM with the task of monitoring the vanishing air and taking necessary action. The CAQM commission continues to closely watch the situation.

Supreme Court lifts GRAP-IV restrictions as Delhi’s AQI drops to 'Moderate'

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