News for 'Air Quality'

Delhi shivers as cold day grips city, air quality plummets

Delhi shivers as cold day grips city, air quality plummets

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Delhi experiences a biting chill with 'cold day' conditions and dense fog, coupled with 'very poor' air quality. The IMD forecasts continued cold weather and potential light rain.

Delhi shuts classes up to Std 5 as air quality worsens

Delhi shuts classes up to Std 5 as air quality worsens

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

With the Air Quality Index remaining in the severe category, the government has directed schools to switch to online mode for these grades until further notice.

Delhi breathes easier as air quality improves: Here's what helped

Delhi breathes easier as air quality improves: Here's what helped

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reports improved air quality in Delhi compared to the same period last year, attributing it to coordinated efforts by government departments. Officials aim to avoid implementing GRAP Stage III restrictions through proactive measures and public participation.

Day after Diwali, Delhi records worst air quality since 2021

Day after Diwali, Delhi records worst air quality since 2021

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Delhi residents woke up on Tuesday to heavy grey haze darkening the city skies, reduced visibility and the air quality in the 'red zone' after many celebrated Diwali last night by bursting firecrackers beyond the two-hour limit set by the Supreme Court.

Delhi orders 50% WFH for govt, private offices as air quality worsens

Delhi orders 50% WFH for govt, private offices as air quality worsens

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Delhi government mandates 50% work from home for offices and private establishments under GRAP stage three due to severe air pollution. Essential services are exempted.

Diet tips to tackle severe air quality

Diet tips to tackle severe air quality

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

When dealing with severe air quality, your diet can play a crucial role in protecting your lungs and overall health.

Delhi air quality plummets to alarming levels despite curbs

Delhi air quality plummets to alarming levels despite curbs

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Delhi's air quality plummeted to alarming levels on Tuesday after 24 days, with many areas witnessing a significant spike in pollution despite the strictest measures, including a ban on construction activities and the entry of trucks into the city, coming into force.

Delhi's air quality ranks severe in some areas

Delhi's air quality ranks severe in some areas

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Delhiites continued to breathe toxic air on Tuesday as the air quality edged closer to the severe zone in some areas.

Delhi schools, colleges go online as air quality worsens

Delhi schools, colleges go online as air quality worsens

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University have announced a shift to online classes until November 23 and November 22, respectively, due to the alarmingly high air pollution levels in the city. The decision comes as Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) face "alarmingly high" air quality levels, prompting concerns about health and safety. The schedule of exams and interviews remains unchanged, the universities said. The Delhi government has termed the air situation a "medical emergency" and urged institutions to take preventive measures. Several schools and colleges in the region have already started shifting to online classes due to the poor air.

Smog engulfs Delhi as air quality drops to 'very poor'

Smog engulfs Delhi as air quality drops to 'very poor'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

This deterioration in air quality led to prompting enforcement of Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital.

Delhi's air quality worsens, over Rs 5.85 cr fine imposed

Delhi's air quality worsens, over Rs 5.85 cr fine imposed

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

The city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm daily, stood at 417, making it the worst in the country. On Friday, the AQI level was 396.

Delhi wakes up to dense fog in March, temp dips to 13 deg Celsius

Delhi wakes up to dense fog in March, temp dips to 13 deg Celsius

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Delhi experienced a foggy morning with a dip in temperature and improved air quality following recent rainfall. The air quality index (AQI) reached 'satisfactory' levels for the first time in five months.

7 Nations With The Lowest Air Pollution

7 Nations With The Lowest Air Pollution

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

These countries demonstrate how clean energy adoption, strong environmental policies and favourable geographical conditions can keep air pollution impressively low. According to the IQAir World Air Quality Report (2024), they consistently maintain annual average PM2.5 levels at or below the World Health Organization's stringent guideline of 5 g/m.

Pakistan most polluted country in the world, India at 6th place

Pakistan most polluted country in the world, India at 6th place

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The 8th World Air Quality report reveals Pakistan as the most polluted country, with India ranking sixth. The report analyses air quality data from over 9,446 cities across 143 countries, highlighting the severe impact of pollution on global health, especially for children.

Delhi's air quality worsens as people defy Diwali firecracker ban

Delhi's air quality worsens as people defy Diwali firecracker ban

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The city's air quality dropped to the "very poor" category, with an Air Quality Index of 330 at 10 pm.

Deepika Padukone Can't Breathe!

Deepika Padukone Can't Breathe!

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Deepika Padukone has raised concerns about the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, India, highlighting the impact on residents, especially children. Her comments come amid growing concerns about pollution levels in the city, which have worsened in recent years due to construction, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution.

Delhi's air quality 'severe' again

Delhi's air quality 'severe' again

Rediff.com9 Nov 2021

Low temperature -- Delhi recorded a minimum of 13.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the season's lowest so far -- allowed accumulation of pollutants, said Mahesh Palawat, vice president (meteorology and climate change), Skymet Weather.

Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor', AQI at 306

Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor', AQI at 306

Rediff.com23 Oct 2023

'I think pollution levels have been rising in Delhi for the past 10-12 days. We can feel it in our eyes today. The smog is dense'

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran addressed Air India employees, acknowledging the airline's challenging phase while reaffirming the Tata Group's commitment to its long-term transformation, focusing on service quality, safety, and operational improvements.

Air quality in Delhi remains 'severe'

Air quality in Delhi remains 'severe'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2021

Authorities on Friday had advised people to limit outdoor activities and told government and private offices to cut vehicle use by at least 30 per cent as air quality in Delhi-NCR inched towards the emergency level amid a rise in emissions from farm fires and unfavourable meteorological conditions.

Delhi air quality still severe; relief likely before Diwali

Delhi air quality still severe; relief likely before Diwali

Rediff.com9 Nov 2023

The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 420 at 8 am on Thursday, compared to 426 at 4 pm on Wednesday. The AQI map prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board showed clusters of red dots (indicating hazardous air quality) spread across the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Delhi bans construction work as air quality worsens

Delhi bans construction work as air quality worsens

Rediff.com4 Dec 2022

Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm.

Wearable Devices: Tracking Environmental Exposure And Health Impact

Wearable Devices: Tracking Environmental Exposure And Health Impact

Rediff.com1 days ago

A new pilot study demonstrates how wearable devices, combined with smartphone location data and real-time surveys, can effectively capture environmental exposures and their immediate physical and emotional effects on individuals.

Delhi to Trial 22 Innovations in Air Pollution Fight

Delhi to Trial 22 Innovations in Air Pollution Fight

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Delhi is set to begin trial runs of 22 innovative solutions aimed at tackling air pollution, following an 'innovation challenge' that received 284 applications. The trials will assess the effectiveness of various devices in reducing particulate pollution at identified hotspots across the city.

Delhi's air quality worst in country, 'severe' for first time this season

Delhi's air quality worst in country, 'severe' for first time this season

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

The city's 24-hour Air Quality Index, recorded at 4 pm every day, stood at 418, up from 334 the previous day, and it may trigger stringent restrictions under the third stage of the graded response action plan to mitigate hazardous conditions.

Delhi chokes on thick smog as air quality remains severe

Delhi chokes on thick smog as air quality remains severe

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

Air quality in Delhi and its suburbs dropped to the severe category again on Wednesday morning, with smoke from post-harvest paddy straw burning in neighbouring states accounting for one-third of the air pollution in the national capital.

Rain lashes several areas in north; fog returns in Delhi

Rain lashes several areas in north; fog returns in Delhi

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Several states in north India, including Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, experienced varied weather conditions, including light to moderate rainfall, fog, and temperature fluctuations.

Delhi air turns lethal as AQI peaks at 498, skyline lost in haze

Delhi air turns lethal as AQI peaks at 498, skyline lost in haze

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Delhi choked under a thick blanket of smog on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, which falls in the higher spectrum of 'severe' category.

India Audits 101 Cities To Assess Ease Of Living

India Audits 101 Cities To Assess Ease Of Living

Rediff.com5 days ago

India is conducting a special audit of 101 cities to assess ease of living from the citizen's perspective, Comptroller and Auditor General K Sanjay Murthy said.

Stringent curbs set in but Delhi's air quality still 'severe'

Stringent curbs set in but Delhi's air quality still 'severe'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

The poisonous haze has been causing significant problems for people with existing respiratory issues, according to doctors.

Relief for Delhiites as air improves, GRAP-3 curbs lifted

Relief for Delhiites as air improves, GRAP-3 curbs lifted

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked restrictions imposed under GRAP 3 in Delhi-NCR following improvements in air quality. Non-essential construction and demolition activities are now allowed to restart, and restrictions on vehicles have been lifted.

Delhi air quality improves, construction curbs lifted

Delhi air quality improves, construction curbs lifted

Rediff.com20 Dec 2021

The central air quality panel had on Friday allowed authorities in Delhi-NCR to resume physical classes for students in classes 6 and above, colleges and other educational institutions with immediate effect.

Not only Delhi, 2 more cities' air quality poor post Diwali

Not only Delhi, 2 more cities' air quality poor post Diwali

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

Firecracker bursting till late Sunday night led to a spike in pollution levels amid low temperatures.

'What kind of...': UP CM likens Delhi AQI to 'gas chamber'

'What kind of...': UP CM likens Delhi AQI to 'gas chamber'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that Uttar Pradesh enjoys a clean environment, unlike Delhi, which he likened to a 'gas chamber' due to its pollution levels.

GST Council To Consider 5% GST For Air, Water Purifiers

GST Council To Consider 5% GST For Air, Water Purifiers

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Any reduction on purifiers would need consensus among state finance ministers.

Delhi's air quality improves further

Delhi's air quality improves further

Rediff.com4 Nov 2018

The overall Air Quality Index was recorded at 231 on Sunday which falls in 'poor' category.

Delhi's air quality plunges to 'very poor' category

Delhi's air quality plunges to 'very poor' category

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

The capital witnessed a clear morning on Friday with the minimum temperature settling a notch below normal at 14.6 degrees Celsius.

Mumbai wakes up to layer of smog, air quality worsens

Mumbai wakes up to layer of smog, air quality worsens

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The AQI recorded in Mumbai at 8 am was 131, categorised as 'moderate', as per the Central Pollution Control Board.

Ban on construction, diesel cars lifted in Delhi as air quality improves

Ban on construction, diesel cars lifted in Delhi as air quality improves

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

Preventive measures are in place and the forecast suggests further improvement, said the statutory body responsible for forming air pollution reduction strategies for the region and their implementation.

Delhi's air quality slips back to 'very poor' category

Delhi's air quality slips back to 'very poor' category

Rediff.com11 Nov 2022

The city recorded a minimum temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department.