POLLUTION SPIKE
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.
ET Graphics: Why emergency traffic curbs in 2026 failed to clear Delhi's toxic winter air
A CSE analysis finds that Delhi's emergency traffic curbs failed to ease congestion or improve air quality in early winter 2026, while Diwali firecrackers triggered a sharp pollution spike. The report examines the contribution of transport, stubble burning and other sources, emerging pollution hotspots and the need for year-round emission control.
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
Noida, Ghaziabad schools to hold classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode from Thursday
Starting this Thursday, schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar district will introduce hybrid classes for students through Class 5. This shift is a response to Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR. All recognized and government institutions must adhere to this directive to avoid potential legal consequences. Current air quality readings indicate that pollution poses a serious health risk in the area.
Delhi's Diwali pollution puzzle: Updated data shows massive spikes, gaps remain
On Diwali night, alarming gaps in air quality monitoring data raised serious concerns about pollution levels in Delhi. Some monitoring stations displayed particulate matter levels far exceeding prescribed limits. The Central Pollution Control Board revealed data omissions during the critical pollution period.
AAP, BJP engage in blame game over Delhi pollution and Punjab stubble burning
Delhi minister Kapil Mishra has raised concerns over a sudden rise in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab during Diwali. AAP officials responded by asserting that smoke from Punjab cannot reach Delhi quickly. Mishra also claimed that farmers alleged fields were being set on fire amid their celebrations. Punjab faced its highest number of farm fires during this season, with 1,152 incidents recorded on Diwali.
Mumbai and Thane authorities ground aerial firecrackers after Diwali blazes
Authorities in Mumbai and Thane implemented a ban on aerial firecrackers following a significant rise in fire incidents. Reports indicate that the Mumbai Fire Brigade responded to numerous fire calls, primarily due to firecrackers. This ban aims to prevent fire hazards, especially from falling embers onto flammable materials. Violators of the ban may face legal consequences under the Disaster Management Act.
Delhi AQI at 3,000 or 300? Why different apps are showing different pollution levels
Delhi's air pollution readings have sparked confusion as government and independent monitoring platforms report sharply different AQI figures, ranging from the 300s to over 3,000. Differences in AQI calculation methods, averaging periods, monitoring networks and sensor technology explain why apps show varying numbers. Here's why Delhi's AQI readings differ and how PM2.5 levels can provide a clearer picture of air pollution.
Surge in air purifier sales in India as pollution levels rise during winter season 2023
Air purifier sales have increased substantially in India as pollution levels rise and winter approaches. Quick-commerce platforms are experiencing heightened demand, especially from Tier 2 cities. Sales of air purifiers on Amazon have reportedly doubled recently, indicating a surge in consumer interest. Additionally, the overall market for winter appliances is projected to grow significantly this season. Analysts expect online sales to climb further as consumers continue to make purchases.
Happy polluted Diwali! Get ready for severe air pollution as AQI monitoring agency sounds warning this year
Delhi AQI News: Get ready for severely polluted Delhi this year as the national capital is likely to face severe air pollution this year, with AQI forecast to cross 400. Stubble burning, firecracker emissions and unfavourable weather conditions could worsen the capital's air quality, raising concerns about another post-Diwali pollution spike.
Not inclined to completely ban firecrackers, says SC; stresses implementation of orders
The Supreme Court expressed reluctance in imposing a complete ban on firecrackers during a recent hearing. The bench indicated that effective enforcement of existing orders is crucial for addressing air pollution issues. Measures taken by the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management were discussed during the proceedings. The court encouraged utilizing prominent personalities for public awareness regarding firecracker regulations.
Dussehra haze hangs over Delhi as air quality slips into 'poor' zone
Delhi experienced its first 'poor' air quality day this season after the Dussehra celebrations concluded. The Air Quality Index surged to 238, marking a significant increase from the previous day. Environmental officials noted that falling temperatures and variable wind speeds impacted pollutant dispersion. Several areas in the city recorded even higher AQI levels classified as 'very poor'. These conditions often precede the winter season, when air quality traditionally deteriorates.
Why is the haze so bad in Southeast Asia this year?
Indonesia's prolonged wildfires have blanketed Southeast Asia in hazardous haze, driving respiratory illness cases higher, disrupting flights and forcing school closures. More than 637,000 hectares were reportedly damaged between January and August, according to environment group Auriga. The crisis has triggered regional criticism over Jakarta's response and refusal of neighbouring countries' assistance.
These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 20% return in 1 year, according to analysts
The mayhem in the market is likely to continue, at least for the short-term. Nothing has changed in terms of the known headwinds: The US-Iran war continues in fits and starts, oil prices are still elevated, US bond rates remain high, and global supply chains continue to be disrupted. With the calendar year-end approaching, however, there is a technical factor that has entered the mix.
In Iowa, soaring cancer rates emerge as a key midterms issue
Cancer has emerged as an unusual bipartisan campaign issue in Iowa’s midterm races as the state confronts the second-highest cancer rate in the US. Candidates are linking the debate to healthcare access, cancer screening and worsening water quality, although scientists have not reached a consensus on whether nitrate contamination is driving the rise.
Why is Trump administration looking to implement new lower fuel economy standards in US?
New lower vehicle fuel economy standards are being set by the Trump administration. The move will reduce the technology costs of the automakers and help them sell gas-powered vehicles. The new vehicles' cost will decrease but the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions will increase for decades.
The Iran war is driving clean energy development. It's not enough to help the planet, yet
Global clean energy adoption is increasing due to the war against Iran. However, this shift is not yet sufficient to combat climate change effectively. Many governments are enacting policies to move away from fossil fuels and improve efficiency. Despite these efforts, global emissions have slightly increased and clean energy investments have fallen. Experts believe sustained action over years is needed to address climate problems.
70 per cent of change in winter pollution in north India explained by western disturbances: Study
Western disturbances may explain seventy percent of winter air pollution variations. More frequent storms typically bring cleaner air to northern India. Ocean temperature patterns in autumn can predict winter storm frequency. This allows for advance warning of potentially severe pollution seasons. Such forecasts can help authorities prepare pollution control measures.
Load More
