smog

Pilani and Chittorgarh hottest at 46.2 °C

Living in Indian metros like Mumbai and Delhi exposes skin to severe pollution, accelerating aging and pigmentation. Dr. Mikki Singh highlights Vitamin C as a crucial antioxidant defense, neutralizing free radicals and boosting collagen. She advises using stabilized derivatives over unstable L-ascorbic acid for better efficacy and recommends pairing it with SPF for comprehensive protection against environmental damage.

Delhi government has identified thermal hotspots using satellite data to combat extreme heat, with areas like Ayanagar and Najafgarh showing high temperatures. The Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 prioritizes targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, including children, outdoor workers, and animals, with measures like increased ORS stock and water availability.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), to protect school children, the government may administer an ORS solution before they leave school, if required, to reduce the risk of dehydration during their commute. For construction workers, strict measures will be enforced during peak heat hours.

In CAQM review meeting, MCG chief announces pollution plan to reduce AQI from 189 to 170 by year-end

Rice farmers Siriporn and Amnat Taidee used to burn their paddy fields between plantings -- a common method of clearing crop residue partly blamed fortoxic smog that blankets much of Thailand every spring. "My life has changed," said Siriporn, 63, as she sloshed through a verdant paddy field in Chiang Rai.

Delhi will restrict goods vehicle entry to BS-VI, CNG, or electric from November 1 as part of its 2026 Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan. The plan targets vehicular emissions, dust, and industrial discharge with science-backed strategies. Stricter enforcement, expanded public transport, and EV promotion are key to cleaner air.

More than 200 anti-smog guns were operating on the streets of the capital but CPCB scientists flagged them as an ineffective combatant in 2017

In a groundbreaking announcement, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta introduced a monumental 'green budget' for the fiscal year 2026-27, earmarking an impressive Rs 1,03,700 crore. This budget is set to revolutionize Delhi's infrastructure with a substantial 30% of total funds allocated, while 21% is dedicated to vital environmental initiatives.

Ghaziabad authorities sealed 17 illegal tar processing kilns in Loni following pollution complaints. The joint operation, involving multiple departments, also saw electricity disconnection and demolition of some units to prevent continued illegal operations. This action follows Loni's ranking as the world's most polluted city, with officials estimating over 1,000 illegal polluting units operating in the area.

For the eighth consecutive year, New Delhi has been named the most polluted capital in the world, with hazardous PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO's safe threshold by an alarming 16.4 times. Although there has been a slight uplift since 2024, factors such as seasonal smog, dust storms, and agricultural burning continue to shroud the Indo-Gangetic plain in poor air quality.

Experts offer mixed reactions to the Delhi budget, praising health and education initiatives but questioning implementation for vulnerable students. Environmental measures are seen as potentially superficial, while gig worker welfare plans require detailed execution plans to be effective. The budget's success hinges on practical application and addressing critical gaps.

Warfare devastates not only cities but also the environment. Explosions and burning fuel release pollutants. This creates toxic fog and acid rain. These events alter local weather. Scientists warn of bigger impacts on overall weather patterns. Long-term climate consequences are a serious concern.

Delhi government has significantly boosted its support for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, allocating Rs 11,266 crore for FY 2026-27, a 19.6% increase. This enhanced funding aims to bolster civic infrastructure and urban services, including a special Rs 1,000 crore for road improvements. The budget also prioritizes waste management, pollution control, and animal welfare initiatives.

Deepika Padukone's social media post highlighting Mumbai's poor air quality prompted a response from Mayor Ritu Tawde. The civic body acknowledged rising AQI levels and stated that measures are being implemented, including dust control at construction sites and issuing stop-work notices for non-compliance. Experts attribute the recent low visibility to smog.

Though they look the same, smog and fog are formed differently. Fog is formed when the water vapour in the air condenses and the resulting water droplets just stay in the air forming a whitish layer that reduces visibility. smog is a combination of fog and smoke that has high levels of hazardous gases and is more dangerous than fog.