Air Quality News - Latest Updates & Headlines
Centre extends financial aid to indigenous indoor air purification solution
New Delhi, April 24: In a significant step toward advancing indigenous clean air technologies, the government on Thursday extending financial support to Gurugram-based Urban Air Labs for their unique project in this field.
Delhi's new anti-pollution moves: Will they be enough?
N: ew Delhi: Every winter, Delhi makes headlines for all the wrong reasons. Thick smog covers the city, pollution levels skyrocket, and air quality drops to hazardous levels. It’s a crisis that returns year after year, and while the government takes action during these peak months, the bigger question remains: are we doing enough, and more importantly, are we doing it all year round?
Increasing air pollution keeps Nepal's health sector and people's life expectancy at stake
By Binod Prasad Adhikari, Kathmandu, April 7: As the drone takes off, the skyline of Kathmandu is shrouded in a thick layer of polluted haze that has been lingering for weeks. Visibility has also dropped over the weeks, delaying the flights.rn
Nepal on high alert as air quality continues to deteriorate
Kathmandu, April 4: Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population has urged people to take precautions as air pollution levels continue to remain unhealthy throughout the week.
CAQM invokes Stage I of GRAP in Delhi-NCR as air quality deteriorates
New Delhi, April 2: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-I in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect after the national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 'poor' category on Wednesday.
Not a Single Line of Corruption Found: AAP's Gopal Rai after Delhi Govt tables CAG Report on Pollution
New Delhi, April 2: AAP MLA and former environment minister of Delhi Gopal Rai has defended the Aam Aadmi Party's government in the national capital noting that the recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on the 'Prevention of Air Pollution from Vehicles.' that was tabled in the Assemby did not include any references to "corruption."
CAG report highlights gaps in vehicular pollution testing, enforcement
New Delhi, April 1: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on 'Prevention of Air Pollution from Vehicles', presented in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, has highlighted major irregularities in pollution testing and enforcement measures, raising concerns over the reliability of the system.
Delhi breaths easy; witnesses best AQI average in 5 years in January-March quarter
New Delhi, March 31: Delhi witnessed its best average Air Quality Index (AQI) readings on the month of March, 2025, at 170 AQI, down from six points in 2024, the Commission for Air Quality Management said on Monday.
Kathmandu air quality deteriorates to 'Very Unhealthy' level, flight operations disrupted
Kathmandu, March 31: A thick layer of haze enveloped the Kathmandu Valley, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the 'Very Unhealthy' category on Monday.
GRAP-I restrictions revoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves
New Delhi, March 30: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked the Graded Response Action Plan - Stage I (GRAP-I) in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect after air quality improved in the city.
Stage-I GRAP order lifted in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves
New Delhi, March 29: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-I in Delhi-NCR after the national capital's Air Quality Index was recorded at 153 (moderate category) on Saturday.
US wildfires lead to evacuations as dozens of homes burnt in Carolinas
New York, March 27: Wildfires sweeping through the US states of North and South Carolina have forced evacuations and prompted a state of emergency.
CAQM invokes Stage I of GRAP in Delhi-NCR as air quality deteriorates
New Delhi, March 24: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-I in Delhi-NCR after the national capital's Air Quality Index went to 206 ('poor' category) on Monday.
GRAP stage-I curbs revoked as air quality improves in Delhi
New Delhi, March 15: As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital shows improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to lift the restrictions imposed under Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR).
Delhi's AQI drops to '85' after three years
New Delhi, March 15: Delhi on Saturday recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85, which is the lowest in the last three years for the period from January 1 to March 15.
Sprinklers, anti-smog guns to combat pollution in Delhi: CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi, March 13: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said in a statement on Thursday that sprinklers and smog guns would be deployed throughout the year -- except during the monsoon -- to combat pollution in the national capital.
India home to six of world's most polluted cities despite drop in PM 2.5: Report
New Delhi, March 11: India saw a seven per cent decline in PM2.5 levels in 2024, but six of the world's ten most polluted cities were still in the country, according to the IQAir 2024 World Air Quality Report.
Improvement in air quality with decline in pollution levels in India: World Air Quality Report
New Delhi, March 11: The World Air Quality Report 2024 by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir reveals a positive trend in India's air quality, despite ongoing challenges.
Stage-I GRAP invoked in Delhi-NCR with 'immediate effect' to mitigate effects of 'poor' air quality
New Delhi, March 7: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked all actions under Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR), to mitigate the effects of 'poor' air quality.
Must work to take tally to 309 'achhe din': Gopal Rai challenges Delhi Environment Minister to take pollution control efforts to next level
New Delhi, March 2: AAP leader Gopal Rai on Sunday challenged new Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa to take Delhi's pollution control efforts to the next level and urged the current BJP government to increase the tally to 309 days of clean air.
If a vehicle is well-maintained, why ban it?: Mixed reactions to Delhi's 15-year vehicle refueling ban
New Delhi, March 1: The Delhi government's decision to ban refueling for vehicles older than 15 years after March 31 has sparked mixed reactions. While some residents see it as a necessary step to combat pollution, others question its fairness, arguing, "If a vehicle is well-maintained, why ban it?"
Delhi govt to take stringent measures against air pollution: Minister
New Delhi, March 1: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday announced a series of strict measures to combat the alarming pollution levels in the national capital.
Today it was a Marlboro Light: Vir Das takes dig at Mumbai's air pollution
Mumbai, March 1: Stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das, who has never shied away from talking about social issues, recently took a dig at Mumbai's worsening air pollution while humorously comparing breathing in the city to "smoking a cigarette."
Dhaka tops list of most polluted cities in world today
Dhaka, March 1: Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh on Saturday morning has created a record with the most polluted air quality in the world. According to the air quality and pollution city ranking, the air was classified as 'hazardous'.
Delhi experiences light rain; AQI remains in 'moderate' category
New Delhi, March 1: The national capital experienced light rainfall on Saturday morning, with showers recorded in areas including India Gate, Teen Murti, and Central Secretariat. The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the "moderate" category.
GRAP stage-II curbs revoked as air quality improves in Delhi
New Delhi, February 24: As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital shows improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to lift the restrictions imposed under Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR).
Scented candles can release potential toxic particles in indoor air: Study
New Delhi, Feb 23: Aroma compounds released from the scented wax melts can react with ozone in indoor air to form potentially toxic particles, researchers have warned.
Ramdev invites Bryan Johnson to Patanjali Yog Gram in Haridwar after air quality concerns
New Delhi, February 22: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Friday invited American entrepreneur and venture capitalist Bryan Johnson to Patanjali Yog Gram in Haridwar to explore India's yoga practices and yogis from a neutral and scientific perspective.
Air pollution may be higher inside your home than outdoors: Study
Birmingham, February 18: A new study reveals that people may be exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne pollutants inside their homes, even if the outdoor air quality is good.
Milind Deora submits Committee report, recommends 'rules enforcement for solving Delhi's air pollution'
New Delhi, Feb 11: Milind Deora, Rajya Sabha MP and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation presented the 254th report on air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the House on Tuesday.
Sonakshi Sinha extends support to Vir Das over pollution concern
Mumbai, Feb 9: Mumbai's pollution levels have risen drastically in recent times due to heavy construction and infrastructure projects. Actor and comedian Vir Das recently voiced his concern on the matter by sharing a long note on social media.
Delhi's air quality improves to 'moderate' category
New Delhi, February 7: The air quality in the national capital improved and was recorded in the 'moderate' category on Friday morning.
Indians justifiably outraged by poor air quality: American entrepreneur Bryan Johnson after exiting Nikhil Kamath's podcast
Los Angeles, February 5: After leaving a podcast with Zerodha Co-founder Nikhil Kamath early citing bad air quality, American entrepreneur and venture capitalist Bryan Johnson raised concerns over the health impacts of air pollution in India and said that "Indians are justifiably outraged by the poor air quality they are exposed to daily."
Dense fog hovers over Punjab and Haryana while Delhi air remains 'poor'
New Delhi, February 4: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for dense fog at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Crop fires in Punjab, Haryana not responsible for poor air quality in Delhi-NCR: Study
New Delhi, Feb 4: The high PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR are largely independent of crop residue burning (CRB) in Punjab and Haryana, according to a study by researchers from Japan, based on an analysis of observations across a network of 30 sites, on Tuesday.
GRAP stage-III curbs revoked as air quality improves in Delhi
New Delhi, February 3: As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital shows improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to lift the restrictions imposed under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR).
Delhi's air quality plummets to 'very poor' category
New Delhi, Feb 2: The air quality in Delhi has significantly deteriorated, as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 341 on Sunday at 6 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), falling into the 'very poor' category.
Fog engulfs Delhi as mercury dips to 10.8 °C
New Delhi, January 31: A layer of fog covered the National Capital on Friday as the city recorded a minimum temperature of 10.8 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Delhi's air quality in 'very poor' category; IMD predicts rain on Feb 3
New Delhi, January 30: The national capital witnessed a thin layer of fog on Thursday morning while the AQI stood at 381 at 8 am.
GRAP-3 curbs back in Delhi as air quality worsens
New Delhi, Jan 30: As the air quality in Delhi-NCR worsened and the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 'Severe' levels on Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) re-imposed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from Thursday.