Delhi faced severe air pollution again this winter as smog covered the city. With air quality staying hazardous, the Chinese embassy offered help. It shared a step by step guide on how Beijing cleaned its air. China said both countries face pollution from fast growth. The post showed Delhi’s AQI at 447 and Beijing’s at 67. China listed strict vehicle rules, public transport, and electric cars. It also spoke about closing or moving heavy industries. Experts said these ideas are useful but hard to apply in Delhi without strong enforcement and state coordination. Stubble burning and weak checks remain problems. (PC: India Today)

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed in the “very poor” category at around 329, keeping residents under smoggy, polluted air conditions on Wednesday. Shallow to moderate fog is forecast by the India Meteorological Department, reducing visibility and worsening pollution effects across the city. Persistent cold and trapped pollutants have kept AQI high, prompting health concerns and advisory warnings, especially for sensitive groups. The poor air persists despite slight improvements from earlier “severe” levels. Meteorologists predict continued low visibility and pollution through the coming days, affecting travel and outdoor activities in the national capital. (PC: PTI)

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa apologized for the capital's persistent air pollution, admitting it's "impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in nine to 10 months." He blamed the previous AAP government for inheriting a "disease of pollution." Delhi's AQI stood at 354 on Tuesday, improving from Monday's severe 427. Sirsa announced stricter enforcement: vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates won't be allowed to refuel from Thursday. He claimed air quality remained better for eight months this year compared to last year. The government has reduced garbage mountain heights by 15 meters, reclaimed 45 acres, installed 2,000 pollution-monitoring plants, identified 13 hotspots, and plans deploying 7,500 electric buses to reduce vehicular emissions.

Delhi faced a public health crisis on Monday as thick toxic haze covered the city. Air quality dropped to hazardous levels across many areas. Several monitoring stations reported severe readings. Visibility fell and breathing became difficult for many residents. Airlines cancelled 228 flights due to poor visibility and safety risks. Many schools shifted classes online to protect students. Hospitals reported a rise in cough and breathing complaints. Doctors advised people to stay indoors and wear masks if outside. Authorities urged reduced travel and use of public transport as emergency measures were reviewed. Officials said updates would follow as conditions changed. (PC: India Today)

Delhi and the National Capital Region woke up to hazardous air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged into the ‘severe’ category, with readings above 400 across multiple monitoring stations and some areas nearing 500. Thick toxic smog and dense fog reduced visibility and worsened health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Authorities invoked Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures, including strict curbs under Stage IV, to curb pollution and recommended work-from-home and hybrid learning for students. The smog persists due to stagnant weather and trapped pollutants, prompting health advisories. 

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings as heavy rain and flooding hit parts of the UK. An amber warning is in effect in Cumbria from Sunday 6am to Monday 6pm, with over 200mm of rain possible. Dumfries, Galloway, and the Scottish borders also face amber alerts. Yellow warnings cover western Scotland, Northern Ireland, western Wales, and northwest England. Fast-flowing rivers and deep floodwater pose a danger to life, officials said. Residents are urged to follow local advice, avoid driving through floodwater, and stay updated. Southern England will remain mostly dry with frost and fog in some areas. (PC: Sky News)

Kolkata’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, recording **worse Air Quality Index (AQI) levels than Delhi for seven straight days between December 6 and 12. According to data from AQI monitoring sites, Kolkata’s AQI varied from 184 to 439, with peaks reaching the ‘severe’ and even ‘hazardous’ categories, surpassing Delhi’s readings during the same period. On one day, Kolkata hit an alarming AQI of 558, higher than Delhi’s worst at 477. Experts warn that prolonged exposure poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Authorities have not yet issued official statements on the crisis. (PC: The Telegraph)

The Centre told the Rajya Sabha that there is no official global country-wise air pollution ranking and widely cited international indices like the IQAir World Air Quality Report, WHO database, EPI and GBD are not conducted by any official authority. Countries, including India, set their own air quality standards based on local geography, environment, socio-economic factors and national circumstances. India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 pollutants, notified in 2009, are tailored to domestic needs. The government also conducts annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan to rank cities under the National Clean Air Programme. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian government informed Parliament that global air quality rankings by organizations like IQAir, WHO, Environmental Performance Index, and Global Burden of Disease metrics are unofficial, conducted by no recognized authority. Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh clarified that WHO air quality guidelines serve only as advisory values, not binding standards, helping countries establish their own norms based on geography, environmental conditions, and national circumstances. India has notified National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 pollutants to protect public health and environment. The government conducts its own annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan, ranking 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme based on air quality improvement measures, with awards presented on National Swachh Vayu Diwas (September 7). (PC: X)

In response to a sharp rise in air pollution, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has banned the use of coal and firewood in tandoors in all hotels, restaurants and eateries across Delhi. Under the directive, commercial kitchens must immediately switch to electric, gas or other clean-fuel appliances. Additionally, a new rule empowers authorities to impose a fine of up to ₹5,000 on anyone caught burning garbage or waste in the open — a major cause of worsening air quality. The measures aim to curb local emissions and improve air quality as the city’s Air Quality Index stays dangerously high. (PC: ANI)