Air quality across large parts of India continued to remain in the very poor to severe category on Monday, with the National Capital Region (NCR) emerging as the worst-affected area, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A sharp drop in visibility and haze-obscured skyline marked another low for Delhi on Monday as its AQI touched 498 in the morning and settled at 427 by the evening, with air quality in the hazardous "severe" zone. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 27 monitoring stations across the city recorded "severe" air quality, while 12 stations reported "very poor" levels. Wazirpur recorded the worst air quality among the 40 stations, with an AQI of 475, reported the PTI. The data highlights sharp regional differences in pollution levels. How is the body affected by air pollution? (n/11)#AirPollution #AirQuality #AQI #PTIInfographics pic.twitter.com/SGU9SXKqdc — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2025 North India emerges as major pollution hotspot The nationwide AQI map showed multiple toxic hotspots across north India, while parts of central, eastern and southern India reported mixed air quality, ranging from moderate to poor. The data highlights sharp regional differences in pollution levels. At 4 pm on December 15, Greater Noida recorded an AQI of 447, followed closely by Ghaziabad (444), Noida (437) and Delhi (427). These levels fall in the severe category, indicating hazardous conditions for breathing. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to severe air pollution can worsen respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, and asthma, especially among children and the elderly. PTI INFOGRAPHICS | India’s air quality remained in the very poor to severe zone across large parts of the country, with the NCR emerging as the worst-affected region. Greater Noida (447), Ghaziabad (444), Noida (437) and Delhi (427) topped the list of cities with the highest AQI,… pic.twitter.com/G9B6Zql5rC — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2025 What is AQI and why does it matter? The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale used to measure how polluted the air is and how it may affect human health. A higher AQI number means worse air quality and greater health risks. AQI is calculated using concentrations of key pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. Each pollutant is measured and converted into a score, with the highest value determining the overall AQI for a location. What is the AQI Scale? (n/10)#AirPollution #AirQuality #AQI #PTIInfographics pic.twitter.com/rgI5qQ1dSk — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2025 Around 82 per cent Delhiites report severe pollution-linked illnesses in close circles: Study As Delhi vanishes behind a dense-grey curtain and toxic air continues to choke the National Capital Region, a new survey has found that 82 per cent of Delhi-NCR residents have one or more people in their close social network suffering from severe health conditions that they attribute to a long-term exposure to air pollution. The survey, conducted by community platform LocalCircles, said 28 per cent of the respondents reported having four or more such individuals among family members, friends, neighbours or colleagues, according to the PTI. What are the different pollutants? The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the level of pollution in the air based on the concentration of major harmful pollutants. The key pollutants monitored are- - PM2.5: Fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres. These particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious respiratory and heart problems. - PM10: Particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometres, which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and worsen breathing issues. Leading causes of air pollution Air pollution is mainly caused by a mix of human activities and natural factors. The key sources include: Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction and road dust, burning of fossil fuels, stubble burning, waste burning. Steps taken to overcome air pollution National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019 to reduce air pollution in 131 cities Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region Control of Vehicular Emissions: Shift to BS-VI fuel standards, promotion of EVs and SATAT initiative for CBG production Stubble Burning Prevention: Subsidies for Crop Residue Management Machinery and promotion of alternative uses for paddy straw. Steps taken to overcome air pollution (n/13)#AirPollution #AirQuality #AQI #PTIInfographics pic.twitter.com/olD5krgdQ3 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2025 Health Advisory Authorities have advised people in severely polluted areas to limit outdoor activities, wear masks when necessary, and seek medical advice if they experience breathing discomfort or irritation.
15 December,2025 10:26 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentBihar Chief Minister (CM) Nitish Kumar attended a ceremony organised on the death anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also congratulated BJP’s newly appointed National Working President Nitin Nabin on his elevation in the party. Nabin, who has recently been appointed as the National Working President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was present at the venue and personally welcomed the CM, reported news agency IANS. Along with the Bihar CM, several senior dignitaries also gathered to pay their tributes to India's First Home Minister. This included Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary. All the leaders present at the ceremony paid floral tributes to Patel and remembered his immense contribution to the nation. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy CM Choudhary said, “It was important to remember the role played by Sardar Patel not only for Bihar but for the entire country." Samrat Choudhary hails Nitin Nabin's escalation Choudhary also asserted that Patel’s contributions would always remain inspirational and relevant. While praising Nabin’s appointment as the national working president of BJP, Choudhary, termed the decision historic and highlighted, “Assigning such a significant national responsibility to a young leader from Bihar reflects the party’s confidence in Bihar’s leadership." He further added, “I thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the decision. I believe that Nitin Nabin would carry out his responsibilities with dedication and efficiency." After attending the event, Nabin, along with Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal and other leaders, departed for New Delhi. Nabin is scheduled to visit the BJP’s central office and hold meetings with senior party leaders. Earlier, while speaking to the media at Patna Airport before his departure to Delhi, he emphasised the importance of patience and dedication in party work. “Every party worker should work patiently and remain committed to the core principles of the organisation. If everyone works with dedication, everyone benefits. The BJP is the only party where a worker can rise to the highest position,” Nabin emphasised. (With inputs from IANS)
15 December,2025 10:07 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondentSeasoned diplomat Nagesh Singh was on Monday appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Australia, news agency PTI reported. A 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Singh, is presently serving as India's Ambassador to Thailand. He will succeed Gopal Baglay as the High Commissioner in Canberra, Australia. Before being appointed as the Ambassador to Thailand, Singh had already served as the Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) from July 2018 to October 2022. During his diplomatic career, Singh served as the Consul General of India in Atlanta (June 2015 to June 2018), Officer on Special Duty to the Vice-President (September 2012 to June 2015) and Director at MEA's Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division (February 2010 to August 2012), reported PTI. He has also served at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and at the Indian embassy in Paris. Singh is a graduate in economics from Delhi University and earned his postgraduate degree from the Delhi School of Economics. Sydney terror attack: EAM Jaishankar speaks to Australia's Penny Wong External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday spoke to his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, and conveyed India's condolences over the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, in which 15 innocent people were killed. In a post on social media handle X, Jaishankar said, "Just spoke to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Conveyed our deepest condolences about the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and offered our fullest support." According to police, the Pakistani-origin father-son attackers, 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram, opened fire at the 'Chanukah by the Sea' event, which was organised to celebrate the first day of the Jewish festival, on Sunday at Bondi Beach. The attack resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including Akram. Police said the youngest victim was a 10-year-old girl who later died at a children's hospital, while the oldest victim was 87 years old. Akram was fatally shot by police during the attack, while Naveed was wounded and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. The attack is now being described as the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly three decades, in a country known for its strict gun control laws. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the terror attack targeting the Jewish community and offered condolences to the families of the victims. (With inputs from PTI)
15 December,2025 09:48 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndustrialist Anant Ambani is set to host Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, along with Luis Suarez and other members of the GOAT India Tour, at Vantara—the wildlife rescue and conservation centre in Jamnagar—during a one-night stop on Monday, news agency ANI reported. Messi, Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul and other members of the tour will travel to Vantara after attending an event at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium earlier in the day. During the Delhi programme, Messi, Suarez and De Paul met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and ICC Chairman Jay Shah. ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented Indian cricket team jerseys to Messi, Suarez and De Paul at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, marking a symbolic meeting of two of the country’s most popular sports. Messi also received a special autographed cricket bat from Shah, ANI reported. Messi was presented with jersey number 10, Suarez with number 9 and De Paul with number 7, all personalised with their names. Shah also extended an invitation to Messi for the upcoming T20 World Cup, presenting him with tickets to the India vs USA match. Messi’s appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium drew a huge response from fans, with the football icon entering the venue to loud cheers. He interacted with young footballers on the ground, kicked balls into the stands along with his teammates, and briefly played with youngsters present at the stadium, ANI reported. The Delhi event marked the final leg of Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025, which included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Mumbai had ealier visited Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata Messi’s visit to Kolkata on Saturday saw massive crowds, though the event at Salt Lake Stadium witnessed disruptions after the football star exited early, leading to unrest among some fans. The Argentine World Cup winner had received a rousing welcome in the city, reflecting his immense popularity, particularly in West Bengal. In contrast, Messi’s Hyderabad leg was marked by smoother proceedings, where he took part in a 7-a-side exhibition match alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and interacted with fans. He also met Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. In Mumbai, Messi, Suarez and De Paul were greeted with enthusiasm at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The event featured cultural performances, music by DJ Chetas and a friendly football match between Indian Stars and Mitra Stars, led by former India captain Sunil Chhetri. Messi shared a special moment with Chhetri and presented him with a signed Argentina jersey. The evening concluded on a memorable note when former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar presented Messi with a Team India jersey, followed by photographs featuring Tendulkar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Messi and his teammates. (With ANI inputs)
15 December,2025 09:42 PM IST | Jamnagar | mid-day online correspondentThe Delhi government on Monday announced the suspension of offline classes for students from nursery to class 5 due to the increased Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital, the ANI reported. Until further notice, students in these grades must attend online classes. The government has emphasised that all schools should strictly follow this order and inform parents immediately. Classes for older students continue Classes for students in grades 6 and above will continue as per previously issued instructions. There are no changes for older students, but schools are advised to monitor air quality and ensure safety measures are in place. The move comes amid rising concerns about air pollution in Delhi and its impact on children’s health. The government has urged parents and schools to take precautions to protect students from the adverse effects of poor air quality. Due to the increased AQI (Air Quality Index) in Delhi, offline classes for students from nursery to class 5 have been suspended. Online classes will be mandatory for these grades until further notice.Classes for grades 6 and above will continue as per the previously issued… pic.twitter.com/rMRdcP3MXt — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2025 Delhi battled toxic fumes on Sunday as the air quality slipped into the 'severe category with a reading of 459, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, reported news agency PTI. A thick layer of smog blanketed the city overnight, leaving people gasping for air. Delhi’s average AQI climbs to 461 According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 461 at 7 am on Sunday, up from 431 recorded a day earlier. The alarming figures underscored the deepening air quality crisis gripping the national capital. All 40 air quality monitoring stations across Delhi reported readings in the ‘severe’ category, with several locations nearing the maximum measurable limit. Rohini emerged as one of the worst-affected areas, recording an AQI of 499, followed closely by Bawana at 498. Vivek Vihar reported 495, while Ashok Vihar and Wazirpur registered AQI levels of 493 each. Narela recorded 492, and Anand Vihar stood at 491. Other parts of the city also remained heavily polluted. ITO recorded an AQI of 485, Mundaka 486, Punjabi Bagh 478, Nehru Nagar 476, and both Chandni Chowk and Okhla registered readings of 470, reflecting widespread and persistent pollution across the capital city. The air quality crisis was not confined to Delhi alone, as several cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) also reported dangerously high pollution levels. Noida recorded an AQI of 470, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category, while Ghaziabad followed closely with a hazardous AQI of 460. Gurugram’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category at 348, while Faridabad recorded a comparatively lower but still concerning AQI of 220, classified as ‘poor’. As per the CPCB, an Air Quality Index (AQI) between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'. Minimum temperature settles at 8.2 degrees Celsius On the weather front, the minimum temperature settled at 8.2 degrees Celsius, 0.4 notch below the season's average, and the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 24 degrees Celsius, reported PTI. The relative humidity was 100 per cent at 8.30 am, the IMD said. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
15 December,2025 08:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA shocking incident has come to light from Rajgurunagar, Pune, where a Class 10 student was brutally murdered inside a coaching class. The victim was allegedly attacked by his own friend, who slit his throat with a knife and fled the scene immediately after the assault. According to police officers, the accused also allegedly stabbed the victim in the neck and abdomen while both were seated on the same bench during a tuition class. The incident has sent shockwaves across the town. Providing details about the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police Amol Mandve said that the two boys had a history of conflict. “They had a fight around three months ago, and the police were informed at that time. Had timely intervention and counselling taken place, this tragic incident might have been prevented,” he said. Further investigation revealed that the victim and the accused had another altercation just two days prior to the murder over a minor issue, which escalated into a physical scuffle. However, the coaching class management allegedly failed to inform the parents about the incident and did not take any precautionary measures. Shockingly, despite the recent fight, both the students were made to sit together on the same bench. After the incident, the police launched a search operation to trace the accused, who is currently absconding. The victim’s father has levelled serious allegations against the coaching class management. “If the class operators had informed us about the fight that occurred two days before and warned us, my son would be alive today,” he said, expressing deep anguish and anger. Meanwhile, police have appealed to parents to remain vigilant. “Parents must maintain open communication with their children and stay informed about their friends, daily activities, and whereabouts. Such vigilance can help prevent tragic outcomes,” the police stated. The incident has raised serious questions about student safety, supervision in private coaching classes, and the responsibility of educational institutions in handling conflicts among minors.
15 December,2025 08:19 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe Supreme Court on Monday said that it will pass effective orders that are enforceable in matters relating to the worsening air pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), news agency ANI reported. A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said that it will hear the matter of the air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR on Wednesday. Senior advocate Aprajita Singh, who is assisting the court as an amicus curiae, presented the matter before the bench, stating, “Though the preventive measures are in place, their poor implementation by the authorities was the key issue." “Until this court directs something, the authorities do not comply with the protocols which are already there,” she added. The senior advocate further said, "The states will not take action till the court orders... Last month an order was passed that sport events will not happen in December-January. Despite these orders having been passed for such activities, they have found ways and means to bypass the order." After listening to the petition, the bench said, "This is coming up before a three-judge bench on Wednesday. It will come up." Another lawyer mentioned an application concerning children's health, stating that, despite earlier orders, schools are holding outdoor sports activities, ANI reported. CJI on rising air pollution across the national capital Responding to the applicants, the CJI responded, "We know the problem, and let us pass orders which can be complied with. There are some directions which can be forcibly imposed. In these urban metropolitan cities people have their own lifestyle. But the poor." Poor labourers are the worst ones to suffer, Singh said, adding that with the enforcement of GRAP-4 measures, construction workers are now left without work. "We will only pass orders which are effective; there are certain directions which can be enforced; people will have to adapt to those conditions. They have to modify and change their lifestyle... In metropolitan cities people have their own way of life which they don't change; the problem arises with the affluent class; the poor are affected," the CJI said. On Monday morning, the national capital recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 452 around 8 am, placing it in the 'severe' category, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed. Furthermore, large parts of the city were shrouded in a dense layer of toxic smog, significantly reducing visibility and causing discomfort to residents. (With inputs from ANI)
15 December,2025 06:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTwo trucks parked along Agra-Mumbai national highway in Madhya Pradesh's Indore were gutted in a fire on Monday, disrupting traffic on the arterial route, though no one was hurt in the incident, a police official said. The fire broke out near Manpur town, some 50 kilometres from the district headquarters, Deputy Superintendent of Police Umakant Choudhary told PTI. "The blaze started in a truck carrying chemicals used in manufacture of oil paint. The truck behind it was loaded with plastic granules, which intensified the fire. Traffic on the highway was stopped to douse the fire. No one was injured in the incident as the vehicles' drivers and cleaners were not present in them. Both trucks were completely destroyed," the Deputy SP said. CCTV footage from the area is being examined to ascertain the cause of fire, and a case will be registered in this regard, Choudhary added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 December,2025 06:21 PM IST | Indore | PTISaurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of North Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, are expected to arrive in Delhi from Thailand on Tuesday, according to the Goa Police, reported the IANS. The brothers will be taken into custody by the Goa Police immediately upon their arrival in the national capital. They were detained by Thai authorities on the basis of an INTERPOL Blue Corner Notice issued at the request of Indian law enforcement agencies. After being produced before a Delhi court, the Goa Police will seek a transit remand to bring them to Goa for further investigation into the deadly fire incident. Investigation expands to government departments As part of the ongoing probe, the police are recording statements from officials of the excise department. Statements of individuals associated with the local panchayat body are also being examined. Investigators stated that several important and concrete pieces of information have emerged during the inquiry. Sources added that the magisterial inquiry committee constituted to investigate the incident has also questioned Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar, the original owner of the land on which the nightclub was built, according to the IANS. Magisterial inquiry summons over 100 people The officials said that the committee has summoned more than 100 individuals to participate in the investigation so far, with statements of at least 20 people already recorded. Delhi Court rejects anticipatory bail pleas Earlier on Thursday, a Delhi court rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra after considering the response submitted by the Goa Police. During the hearing, Goa Police counsel Abhinav Mukherjee argued that the brothers had falsely claimed minimal involvement in the business and had asserted that their foreign travel was pre-planned. Documents contradict brothers’ claims The police presented several documents before the court to refute these claims, including an FSSAI application filed by Saurabh Luthra, a Pollution Control Board application, and GST records listing both brothers and Ajay Gupta as partners in the business, as per the IANS. The prosecution also informed the court that the nightclub’s panchayat licence had expired and was never renewed, and that the establishment was operating without valid permission. A licence agreement was produced to show that the brothers lacked authorisation to run the venue. Police allege attempt to evade arrest The prosecution contended that the brothers booked their flight at around 1.15 a.m., shortly after the fire broke out, and departed for Thailand at 5 a.m. on December 7, terming the move an attempt to evade arrest, the news agency reported. Investigators said the brothers left the country almost immediately after the fire incident, which killed 25 people in the early hours of December 7. Deadly Blaze had claimed 25 lives The massive blaze, which swept through the nightclub near the Arpora River backwaters, claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members. Police officials said the club’s narrow entry and exit points were a major factor that prevented many victims from escaping in time. The fire broke out in the early hours of December 7 at the club located in the busy Baga area, which attracts large crowds due to its proximity to one of Goa’s most popular beaches. (with IANS inputs)
15 December,2025 05:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe government came under sharp criticism on Monday over a bill that seeks to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The bill will replace MGNREGA with a new rural employment law, news agency PTI reported. The Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), during the introduction of the bill, criticised the government and questioned why the name of the 'Father of the nation' is being removed from the scheme. The 'Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025,' has been listed in the Lok Sabha in the supplementary list of business issued on Monday, PTI reported. The bill seeks to repeal the MGNREGA of 2005 and establish a rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by providing a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in every financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work. Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka, who chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, said, “The panel made several recommendations, including that for increasing the number of workdays and wages under the MGNREG scheme." Ulaka further said that the panel made several recommendations, including increasing the number of workdays and wages under the scheme, PTI reported. "When they (BJP) came to power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called it a scheme for digging pits... It was always their intention to end MGNREGS," the Congress MP told the media. He further stated, "I don't know what problem they have with the name of Bapu, but they wanted to finish it because it was a Congress scheme. I head the Parliamentary panel, and we made so many recommendations -- to increase the number of days to 150, to increase the wages... The states have pending dues; West Bengal is not getting funds. They have brought a bill, but why have they removed the name of Mahatma Gandhi?" Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slams government over the bill When asked about the government's move, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asserted, "Whenever the name of a scheme is changed, there are so many changes that have to be made in offices, stationery... for which money is spent. So, what is the benefit? Why is it being done?" "Why is Mahatma Gandhi's name being removed? Mahatma Gandhi is considered the tallest leader not just in the country but in the world; so, removing his name, I really don't understand what the objective is. What is their intention?" she emphasised. "Even when we are debating, it is on other issues and not the real issues of the people. Time is being wasted, money is being wasted, and they are disrupting themselves," the Wayanad MP added. Furthermore, senior Trinamool Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien also termed the government's move "an insult to Mahatma Gandhi". "But then, are you surprised! These are the same people who hero-worshipped the man who killed Mahatma Gandhi. They want to insult Mahatma Gandhi and remove him from history," the TMC MP said. MGNREGA, which was passed as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in 2005 and renamed in 2009, provides up to 100 days of wage employment for unskilled labour. However, the proposed new law, meanwhile, provides for 125 days of work and talks about establishing a rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. (With inputs from PTI)
15 December,2025 04:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA thick fog enveloped several cities in Rajasthan on Monday morning, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting the everyday life of the residents. Dholpur was among the most affected, as a dense fog blanketed the city. According to locals, the area has become colder than the previous day, and as a result, the city's conditions have deteriorated. "It wasn't that cold yesterday, but today it's very cold, and there's a lot of fog also...cold conditions in Dholpur are deteriorating," a resident told ANI. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Dholpur recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 184 in the morning, placing it in the 'moderate' category. While this suggested relatively better air quality compared to some other regions, the overall pollution levels still reflected a decline. Meanwhile, Jaisalmer recorded a 'severe' AQI of 307 and was shrouded in thick smog, which severely reduced visibility and caused discomfort among residents. Several other cities in Rajasthan also experienced varied air quality levels. Jaipur, the state capital, reported a 'moderate' AQI ranging between 101 and 200, while Sri Ganganagar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 236. Kota also saw poor air quality, with AQI levels between 201 and 300. The national capital, Delhi, continued to face a severe pollution crisis, with the overall AQI at 452 around 8 am, according to CPCB data. Large parts of the city were covered by a dense layer of toxic smog, prompting residents to report difficulty in breathing and urging authorities to take action. "The condition of Delhi is bad...we are experiencing difficulty in breathing....old people are distressed...they are feeling sick...construction work has not stopped.... work is happening on the ground...people are distressed...there is no one to ask people...I request everyone to complain about this matter...tell them about Delhi's condition..." a resident told ANI. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 December,2025 03:57 PM IST | Dholpur (Rajasthan) | ANIADVERTISEMENT
