Delhi Sets World Record for Worst Air Quality Ahead of Diwali

On the day before Diwali, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to unprecedented levels, earning the city the top spot in IQAir’s live global ranking of major cities. The monitoring agency reported that the city’s PM2.5 concentration surpassed 400 µg/m³, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s safe limit of 25 µg/m³. The spike was attributed to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and the use of fireworks in the lead‑up to the festival. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, wear masks, and limit outdoor activities. The record has prompted calls for stricter pollution controls and better preparedness for future festive periods.