NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME
IIT Kharagpur becomes first IIT to offer NMC-accredited postgraduate medical degrees
IIT Kharagpur is set to become the first IIT to offer postgraduate medical degree programmes. The inaugural cohort of MD students will begin in the academic session 2026-27 at the Dr B C Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre. Admissions will be conducted through the NEET-PG online counselling process for qualified candidates. Six MD disciplines will be offered, each with two available seats.
Delhi’s Diwali pollution started before the fireworks. What five years of action have achieved
Delhi’s air was already severely polluted before Diwali, with average PM2.5 levels in the week before the festival reaching 236 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly double the 2025 level, according to CSE. The findings suggest firecrackers and stubble burning worsen an existing crisis rather than create it, with vehicles, industry, construction, waste burning and pollution from neighbouring NCR districts keeping baseline pollution high.
Delhi's air woes drive demand for hill getaways, resort stays
Hotels and alternative accommodations are reporting increased bookings from Delhi as air quality deteriorates. Popular destinations for travelers include the hills for cleaner air and cooler weather. Younger travelers are opting for short getaways to leisure destinations nearby. Remote workers are also seeking overseas trips during this polluted period. Overall, there is a noticeable rise in demand for escapes from the city.
Mystery of Delhi's missing PM2.5 data
If data went missing, so, too, it seems, did political will and judicial authority that were supposed to make this Diwali different. According to Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, more than 80% of Delhi pollution the day after Diwali was due to firecracker emissions. Despite this, politicians fell back on pointing to sources beyond Delhi's borders
Gurugram bans coal, wood-fired tandoors at eateries under GRAP
Under the revised guidelines of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), these establishments can now use only electric, gas-powered or other approved clean-fuel equipment. The order has come into immediate effect, an official said.
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Indian IIT talent thrives in Japan's MIRAI-Setu programme as nations near 75th anniversary
As India and Japan approach 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2027, 40 IIT and IIIT students visited Japan under the "Foster System = MIRAI - Setu" programme. Immersed in Japanese universities and corporations, they developed strong industry insights, proposing innovative solutions for bilateral growth.
Senior American soldier accused of being a Russian spy arrested in UK just days after US moved its warplanes from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk to Germany following Iranian threats
A US Army soldier faces allegations of help for Russian intelligence, while more than a dozen US military aircraft have left a British airbase after a reported threat from Iran. The arrest took place near Gloucester on November 10, while the aircraft departures from RAF Mildenhall followed a report of a further threat from Iran. British police and US officials have commented on the espionage allegations.
Pakistan blames India's Diwali fireworks for Lahore's toxic air
The northern Pakistani city of Lahore topped Swiss group IQAir's ranking of the world's most polluted major cities for a second day on Tuesday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 263, categorised as "very unhealthy".
Delhi teen turns ordinary fans into air purifiers for Rs 140 only, wins the Diana Award 2026. Who is Krish Aggarwal?
Delhi teenager Krish Aggarwal, co-founder of Project Vayu, has developed a Rs 140 filter that turns ordinary fans into air purifiers. Designed for easy installation, the filter captures PM2.5 particles and offers schools an affordable way to improve indoor air quality. The initiative has benefited over 10,000 students and earned Krish the 2026 Diana Award.
Air India shortlists former Singapore Airlines executive Balagopal Kunduvara for CFO role
Air India has shortlisted former Singapore Airlines executive Balagopal Kunduvara for the CFO role as the airline steps up efforts to cut costs and improve financial performance. Kunduvara, who recently left his position as finance chief at Garuda Indonesia, has over two decades of experience at Singapore Airlines. The carrier reported losses of more than Rs 22,000 crore in the last financial year.
India's water journey a model for developing nations: World Bank official
India's water management initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange Programme, are gaining international recognition. Senior officials at the World Bank have praised these efforts as models for developing countries. The upcoming United Nations Water Conference will highlight India's achievements and encourage knowledge sharing. India is actively preparing for the conference, emphasizing its role in global water security discussions.
As Delhi gasps for clean air, parliamentary panel skips hearing on air pollution
A Parliamentary committee in Delhi removed the air pollution issue from its upcoming meeting agenda on November 17. Congress member Ajay Maken objected to this change and wrote to the committee chairperson for reconsideration. Maken emphasized that air pollution poses severe health risks and must be treated as a public health emergency. The initial agenda had included discussions involving the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding air pollution enforcement measures.
Researchers tested tobacco plants engineered to emit isoprene; after 10 days, hornworms feeding on those leaves were smaller than those on ordinary plants
Research conducted at Michigan State University revealed that isoprene emissions from plants deter pest herbiory effectively. This chemical causes plants to release hormones that make their leaves less digestible for insects. Interestingly, soybean plants possess genes allowing them to produce isoprene when damaged, enhancing their resilience. However, the increase of isoprene in the atmosphere poses a risk for air quality due to ground-level ozone formation.
Can closing windows keep wildfire smoke out? How much smoke still gets in and do air purifiers work?
Closing windows can reduce how much smoke from wildfires gets indoors, but some can still seep in. A 2026 NIST experiment found that a portable air cleaner’s performance depended partly on how air moved between rooms.
Why are we becoming 'vishwaguru' in air pollution: Kharge targets Modi govt
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP government of failing to tackle Delhi's worsening air pollution, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over unspent environmental funds and missing PM2.5 readings at monitoring stations. He demanded accountability, citing pollution-linked deaths, poor utilisation of clean-air funds and recurring government assurances.
47 out of 50 most polluted cities of the world in India, Delhi gets a high rank
According to live air quality rankings, India has 47 of the world's 50 most polluted cities. Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan is the most polluted city globally, recording an alarming AQI of 671. Following closely are several cities from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with AQIs exceeding 300. Delhi ranks 13th in the world, highlighting the widespread air quality crisis in northern India.
India's water management initiatives a model for developing nations: World Bank official
India's water management efforts, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, are being recognized internationally for their effectiveness. The World Bank highlights India's initiatives, including river restoration and dam safety improvements. These programs aimed at increasing access to clean water are now models for other developing nations. The upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference will provide a platform for India to share these experiences.
How to protect yourself from rising air pollution and smog: 6 practical tips and guide to choosing the right air purifier
Rising air pollution and smog affect daily life in India, particularly during winter months. Taking precautions such as wearing masks can help mitigate exposure to polluted air. Keeping windows and doors closed is essential during times of severe pollution. Regular home cleaning and avoiding indoor burning can improve indoor air quality effectively. Choosing the right air purifier involves considering room size, filter costs, and energy consumption.
Pune teacher sells father's land to teach 10 poor students, all clear MPSC exams; now he runs a Rs 20 crore campus in his village but still lives in a rented house
After selling his inherited house and farmland in 2005, Pune-based teacher Yajurvendra Mahajan started educating 10 underprivileged students. All cleared MPSC exams. His Deepsthamb Foundation now supports around 600 students, including persons with disabilities, orphans and transgender people, offering free education, accommodation, counselling and employment assistance.
Tenneco India explores diversifying beyond auto sector, eyes M&A
Tenneco Clean Air India is exploring acquisitions to diversify beyond the automotive sector, with potential targets in railways, aerospace and defence. CEO Arvind Chandra said the debt-free company has the cash to fund sizeable deals and is seeking businesses with strong technology, margins and an India growth opportunity.
Delhi's post-Diwali smog puts Rekha Gupta & Co's clean-air promise to test
Delhi's air quality has recently deteriorated, reaching a severe level of 370 on November 9. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's government is facing scrutiny over its clean-air promises amidst worsening conditions. Despite various pollution-control measures, including a winter action plan, the situation remains dire as the season intensifies. Punjab has also reported a significant number of stubble-burning incidents contributing to regional pollution.
Congress slams Modi govt for being in 'denial' on impact of air pollution on mortality
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the Modi government for denying air pollution's significant mortality impact. He referred to a FICCI-EY report indicating around 2 million death cases linked to pollution in 2023. The report urges reforms like tightening PM2.5 and ozone standards to WHO levels for better public health. Ramesh emphasized the need for revamping the National Clean Air Programme to address these alarming issues.
World's largest climate summit COP31 opens as climate and geopolitical pressures mount
The UN climate talks are set to begin in Antalya, where rising temperatures create an urgent need for global cooperation. More than 100,000 attendees from nearly 200 countries are expected to discuss climate action and funding for developing nations. The ongoing geopolitical tensions complicate negotiations, especially regarding fossil fuel transitions. Additionally, developing countries are advocating for increased adaptation finance to combat climate impacts.
GCC deploys 600 workers, 350 vehicles for firecracker waste collection in Chennai
The Greater Chennai Corporation has initiated a drive for managing firecracker waste during Deepavali. They have deployed 600 personnel and provided 30,000 collection bags for segregation. Residents are requested to separate firecracker waste from regular garbage and hand it over to workers. The civic body is enhancing cleaning efforts with mechanical sweepers and awareness campaigns across neighborhoods. Safety guidelines advise the use of approved green crackers to reduce pollution levels.
Ground floor residents breathe cleaner air: Upper floors in high-rise apartments record 40% more pollution and toxic air, study finds
Residents on the ground floors of high-rise buildings may be breathing cleaner air than those living several floors above them, with upper levels recording up to 40% higher particulate pollution, a Mumbai study has found. Researchers monitoring residential towers in Wadala linked the pattern to industrial emissions and swirling wind currents around tall buildings.
How China's clean-tech machine is reshaping the global climate fight
In 2024, China took the lead as the top investor in global clean technology, directing $132 billion to developing nations to aid carbon reduction efforts. This unprecedented infusion of resources could potentially reshape the landscape of international climate finance.
Diwali 2026: You can't control outdoor air pollution, but 6 things you can do to improve indoor air quality during Diwali firecracker season without an air purifier
Diwali festivities, while joyous, often contribute to heightened air pollution from firecrackers and outdoor emissions. To combat indoor air quality issues during this period, consider keeping windows shut and steering clear of incense burning to minimize smoke. Regular cleaning and maintaining home appliances can effectively reduce dust buildup. Although indoor plants add a touch of beauty, they don't significantly enhance air quality throughout Diwali.
Punjab government 'misleading' people on issue of stubble burning: Manjinder Singh Sirsa
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa criticized the Punjab government for misleading the public regarding stubble burning, linking a rise in farm fires to deteriorating air quality in the capital. He called out Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's false claims and highlighted the failure to provide solutions for farmers, while asserting that pollution was exacerbated by smoke from Punjab.
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