Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

Delhi continued to battle with air pollution for the 10th consecutive day post-Diwali as a dense layer of smog blanketed parts of the national capital on Sunday. <br /><br />Several parts of the national capital recorded very poor air quality levels on Sunday morning as per the data issued by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR-India).<br /><br />Today morning, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 351, Bawana 383, CRRI Mathura Road 323, Dwarka Sector 8 at 341, IGI Airport at 326, ITO 328, Lodhi Road 319, Mundka at 358, Najafgarh at 341, New Moti Bagh at 394, Okhla phase-2 at 339, RK Puram at 368, and Wazirpur at 366, as per SAFAR-India data.<br /><br />As of 5 pm on November 10, Delhi's AQI stood at 334, with Anand Vihar at 353, Dilshad Garden at 262, and Jahangirpuri at 377. For tomorrow, AQI in adjoining cities of Noida and Gurugram is forecasted to be at 208.92 and 77.51, respectively. <br /><br />Multiple visuals from Delhi's Kartavya Path showed the area surrounding India Gate engulfed by a layer of smog. The AQI in the area was recorded at 357 as of 7 am. High-rise buildings were also covered in smog in the Kalindi Kunj and surrounding locality, as the AQI was recorded as 323 in the area.<br /><br />An AQI is considered "poor" between '200 and 300', "very poor" at '301 and 400', "severe" at '401-450," and 450 and above is "severe plus." As the air pollution levels in the national capital reach "very poor," doctors say that even people with no history of respiratory diseases are suffering from breathing issues.<br /><br />Dr. Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant for Respiratory Critical Care at Apollo Hospital, told ANI that apart from the regular patients, those who haven't had any respiratory issues in the past are showing up with symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and having increasing difficulties breathing. As it is, respiratory illnesses in the national capital are estimated to have shot up by around 15-20%. <br /><br />The Apollo doctor further suggested that the government close the schools for children as they remain vulnerable. Whenever the pollution levels have gone beyond a certain limit, the government has opted to close the schools, Dr. Modi said.<br /><br />"For the last few years, we have been seeing that the government has taken action. Whenever this pollution level has gone beyond a certain limit, they have opted to close the schools. This is important because children are from a vulnerable group. As adults, we are masked and can protect ourselves better, but children usually are not that effectively taking these measures. Secondly, their lungs are still in developing stages, so they are bound to have more harm due to this pollution," the doctor told ANI.<br /><br />Siddharth Singhal, Head of Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com, notes that while most standard health plans in India cover pollution-related ailments, it is always advised to also go for an OPD plan along with a health insurance plan to cover consultations, medications, and diagnostic tests that may be required frequently due to pollution.<br /><br />"Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR and some other parts of India have shot up post Diwali. Effects of this are very evident in the form of sore throats and breathing problems, among others. This can also result in respiratory ailments and chronic conditions like asthma, bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, and severe cases of respiratory or bronchial obstruction. Health insurance becomes critical to cover such expenses. Most policies typically cover emergency hospitalization for respiratory issues like asthma or COPD exacerbations requiring ICU or critical care," he adds. <br />

Layer of smog covers Delhi as air quality remains 'very poor'. Here's why you need an insurance cover for this

<br />In a shocking development, <keyword id="20321520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lahore" source="keywords">Lahore</keyword> in <keyword id="19899252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistan" source="keywords">Pakistan</keyword> is enduring an air pollution crisis that has driven its <keyword id="19918941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality" source="keywords">Air Quality</keyword> Index (<keyword id="19916482" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aqi" source="keywords">AQI</keyword>) well above the hazardous mark, crossing 1,000 in recent days. This level is over three times worse than the pollution typically recorded in New <keyword id="19900881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi" source="keywords">Delhi</keyword>, India, during <keyword id="188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diwali" source="Orion">Diwali</keyword> — a festival known for its own intense pollution spikes. The situation has led local officials to temporarily shut down primary schools and encourage remote work for half of the city’s workforce in a bid to limit exposure to the toxic air.<br /><br />Lahore’s pollution crisis has multiple contributors. Seasonal crop burning in nearby agricultural areas releases smoke and particulate matter into the air, while exhaust from vehicles and low-grade diesel generators further exacerbate the smog. During winter, cold air traps pollutants close to the ground, a phenomenon known as temperature inversion, which prevents pollutants from dispersing and intensifies smog. Lahore, a city of 14 million people, is experiencing the worst of these combined effects, which have led to severe visibility issues and alarming health risks for residents.<br /><br />Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb characterised the spike in Lahore’s pollution as "unexpected," pointing to cross-border pollution carried by winds from India as a key factor. She emphasised that the issue could only be managed through cooperation, adding that Pakistan’s foreign ministry would lead efforts to initiate discussions with Indian authorities.<br /><h2>Understanding AQI and its health impacts</h2>The AQI is a standardised measurement of air pollution levels, ranging from 0 (good) to 500+ (hazardous). Different categories within this scale represent varying health risks. For example, AQI values between 0-50 signify “good” air quality, while levels above 300 are deemed “hazardous” for all populations.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114649550" title="Lahore and Delhi amongst world&amp;#39;s most polluted cities; health warnings issued" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Lahore's recent AQI of over 1,000 — going as high as 1,900 by some accounts — has been described as a severe public health crisis. It’s composed primarily of particulate matter known as PM2.5 — tiny particles that are especially dangerous because they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, leading to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.<h2>Delhi during Diwali</h2>Delhi is no stranger to pollution spikes, especially during the Diwali season, when fireworks, stubble burning in surrounding states, and vehicle emissions combine to create hazardous air conditions. During Diwali this year, Delhi’s AQI surpassed 400 once again, categorising it as “very poor” to “severe” — even two days after the festival.<br /><br />To combat the issue, authorities implemented a series of emergency measures through the <keyword id="19920169" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="graded-response-action-plan" source="keywords">Graded Response Action Plan</keyword> (GRAP), including bans on diesel generators and regular sprinkling of roadways. While these measures offered some relief, Delhi’s air quality remained severely compromised for days.<br /><h2>Long-term health implications</h2>The pollution crisis in cities like Lahore and Delhi poses a substantial long-term health risk. In Lahore, residents could lose an average of 7.5 years of life expectancy if these pollution levels persist, according to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute. Air pollution is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and premature death, highlighting the need for stricter emissions regulations, clean energy initiatives, and cross-border cooperation to tackle the issue.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114836869" title="Delhi’s ‘lit’ skyline on Diwali goes viral; netizens bring attention to the smog-covered skies" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Air pollution is especially dangerous for children, whose lungs are still developing. Children breathe more rapidly than adults, which means they inhale more pollutants relative to their body weight. The <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="keywords">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) reports that prolonged exposure to polluted air can result in severe health complications for children, including asthma, lung infections, and, in extreme cases, irreversible lung damage.<br /><br />South Asia as a whole is deeply affected by this issue, with nearly 600 million children regularly exposed to high levels of air pollution. UNICEF highlights that air pollution is a leading cause of child mortality in the region, with half of all childhood pneumonia cases linked to poor air quality.<br /><br />As cities like Lahore and Delhi grapple with worsening air quality, local governments, international bodies, and communities must prioritise pollution control to protect future generations from the devastating effects of polluted air.<br />

Pakistan shuts down schools as AQI becomes 3x worse than Delhi on Diwali

Imagine taking a deep breath, expecting fresh, clean air, but instead, inhaling particles so tiny they’re invisible but powerful enough to change your life. For millions worldwide, that’s the reality — and it’s taking a toll on their lungs. A new global study shows that nearly 30% of <keyword id="22476122" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="asthma-cases" source="keywords">asthma cases</keyword> can be traced back to long-term exposure to <keyword id="20147117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fine-particulate-matter" source="keywords">fine particulate matter</keyword>, or <keyword id="20573061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM2-5" source="keywords">PM2.5</keyword>, the kind of pollution that often comes from cars, factories, and even cooking fires.<br /><h2>How PM2.5 impacts asthma</h2>Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by recurring symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. While the exact causes of asthma remain complex and varied, this new study underlines that PM2.5 pollution is a significant risk factor.<br /><br />The study brings together insights from 68 epidemiological studies conducted across 22 countries, spanning regions from North America to South Asia. This comprehensive meta-analysis demonstrates the consistent impact of PM2.5 on asthma development.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114504550" title="Most people miss THIS warning on their mosquito repellent vaporizer’s label" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Lead author Dr Ruijing Ni explained, “We estimate that globally in 2019, almost a third of asthma cases are attributable to long-term PM2.5 exposure, corresponding to 63.5 million existing cases and 11.4 million new cases.”<br /><h2>The Indian asthma problem</h2>India, one of the world’s most polluted countries, faces a particularly severe burden from <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword>. Studies have shown that PM2.5 levels in many Indian cities far exceed the <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="World Health Organization" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="World Health Organization">World Health Organization</keyword>'s safe limit of 5 µg/m³. This exposure is especially dangerous for children, whose lungs and immune systems are still developing.<br /><br />The numbers are worrying: around 15-20 million Indians suffer from asthma, making up a significant portion of the estimated 339 million cases worldwide. Children are disproportionately affected; a 2019 report indicated that approximately 6% of children aged 1 to 5 in India show asthma symptoms. This exposure often results in airway inflammation and oxidative stress, which increases vulnerability to <keyword id="19923193" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="respiratory-diseases" source="keywords">respiratory diseases</keyword>.<br /><h2>What the data says</h2>The research team employed exposure-response curves to better understand the link between PM2.5 levels and asthma cases. By considering data from both high-income and low- and middle-income countries, the researchers could provide a more accurate global assessment of PM2.5’s <keyword id="21037424" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-impact" source="keywords">health impact</keyword>.<br /><br />The study found that in Germany, for instance, PM2.5 may be responsible for about 11% of new asthma cases — roughly 28,000 people. However, the burden is even higher in low- and middle-income countries like India, where higher levels of pollution are coupled with limited healthcare access. This disparity highlights the need for global action to reduce PM2.5 emissions, especially in regions where pollution levels and health impacts are most severe.<br /><h2>Policy implications and recommendations</h2>The findings have clear implications for policymakers. Strengthening <keyword id="19918941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality" source="keywords">air quality</keyword> regulations, especially in high-exposure regions, could prevent millions of new asthma cases and reduce healthcare costs.<br /><br />“Our findings highlight the urgent need for policymakers to enforce stringent legislation to continuously combat air pollution,” emphasised another study author Prof. Yafang Cheng. <br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114695519" title="Are your green firecrackers really ‘green? Here’s all you need to know before doing your Diwali shopping" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In addition to governmental measures, personal protective actions like wearing masks and installing air purifiers in homes can also help individuals reduce their exposure to PM2.5, particularly during high-pollution periods.<br /><br />This study adds to the growing evidence that reducing air pollution is critical for public health. While global challenges like PM2.5 pollution may seem daunting, each step toward cleaner air can bring significant health benefits. For countries like India, where asthma rates and pollution levels are both alarmingly high, these findings underscore an urgent need for both policy and community action to protect the most vulnerable — particularly children.<br />

Air Quality Alert: Nearly 30% of asthma cases tied to fine particulate matter exposure from bad air

<ul class="summary-list"><li>China's hyped air show kicked off with performances from its aerobatics team on Tuesday.</li><li>But the grand display was dampened by smog filling the skies over Zhuhai, Guangdong.</li></ul><p>China's biggest air exhibition opened on Tuesday to smoggy skies obscuring an intricate aerobatics performance meant to display the country's aircraft to the world.</p><p>The Bayi aerobatics team, a People's Liberation Army Air Force team that flies J-10 fighters, took off just after 10 a.m. local time in Zhuhai, Guangdong, where the China Airshow 2024 is being held.</p><p>But as crowds gathered on the tarmac to watch, low visibility made it difficult to make out the fighters and their colored smoke trails.</p><p>At times, the J-10s' shapes could barely be seen as they tore through the murky skies.</p> <p>According to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/cn/zhuhai/58196/air-quality-index/58196#:~:text=48%20AQI,generally%20acceptable%20for%20most%20individuals.">Accuweather</a>, air quality in Zhuhai that morning was "poor" — which indicates a high level of pollution — as the city experienced higher levels of nitrogen dioxide.</p><p>Poor weather continued to conceal aircraft flypasts an hour after the event opened, muddying displays from China's 150-foot-long YY-20 jet refueler and its Red Falcon team, which flies the Hongdu JL-8 fighter.</p><p>In contrast, footage of rehearsals shows that the skies were far clearer in the days before the airshow proper, which runs from November 12 to 17.</p><p>Attendees may get another chance to watch the aerobatics display under better conditions, with the flying teams scheduled to perform on each day of the conference.</p><p>The national air show, the only one in the country supported by the central government, is meant to be a grand showcase of its latest aircraft, including the J-35A.</p><p>The medium-sized stealth aircraft is a land-based version of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-tested-next-gen-j-35-fighter-jet-aircraft-carrier-2024-9">J-35</a>, a fifth-generation fighter launched from aircraft carriers, and is largely seen as a rival to Lockheed Martin's F-35.</p><p>In its first official public appearance, the J-35A flew briefly at the opening in Zhuhai, climbing into the hazy sky.</p><p>Commercial craft like China's domestically produced <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/comac-c919-chinese-commercial-jet-built-rival-boeing-and-airbus-2022-2">COMAC C919</a> airliner are also featured in the show.</p><p>COMAC revealed at the event that it's rebranding its regional jet, the ARJ21, to the C909 in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/old-friend-new-look-chinas-comac-renames-regional-jet-c909-marketing-push-2024-11-12/">a marketing move</a> to increase name recognition among Western competitors like the Boeing 737.</p><p>The smoggy opening also comes as China has sought to shed the reputation of its cities as being <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eerie-photos-of-air-pollution-in-china-2015-11">wracked by air pollution</a>. Over the last decade, China has pushed hard to curb coal burning in favor of green energy.</p><p>Its "war on pollution" has reduced smog levels by 41% from 2013 to 2022, but the country still has far to go, said researchers from the University of Chicago in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://aqli.epic.uchicago.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/China-FactSheet_2024.pdf">report published in August.</a></p><p>"Despite tremendous progress over the past few years, 99.9% of China's 1.4 billion people still continue to live in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the WHO guideline," the report said.</p><p>The University of Chicago researchers estimated that in Guangdong, where the air show is being held, residents would gain 1.4 years in life expectancy if pollution levels there were aligned with WHO standards.</p>

You Searched For "air conditioning" and got 4 results

Layer of smog covers Delhi as air quality remains 'very poor'. Here's why you need an insurance cover for this

BI India Bureau

Pakistan shuts down schools as AQI becomes 3x worse than Delhi on Diwali

Ankush Banerjee

Air Quality Alert: Nearly 30% of asthma cases tied to fine particulate matter exposure from bad air

BI India Bureau

China's big air show opened with a glitzy aerial display of its fighters, but crowds couldn't see much in the smog

Matthew Loh

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides