Pakistan-linked module was planning recce of a party office in another state: UP ATSFour arrested from Saharanpur, investigators allege accused were tasked by Pakistani handlers to identify targets, recruit youths through video calls and expand sleeper-cell network across India Published on: May 28
When she saw me walking into her home in Assam’s Barpeta district, Amina Begum attempted valiantly to get up from the bed. Her body shook as the 68-year-old tried – and failed – to raise herself. When I had visited Begum in June last year, she was not this infirm. She was walking
Violence erupts as ED raids for Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s housesDuring the raids, top CPI(M) leaders and hundreds of party workers protested outside the homes of Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur. Updated on: May 28, 2026 7:33 AM IST By Vishnu Varma Share via Copy link The Directorate
Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express cut flights as fuel costs surgeOfficials also said Air India Express would reduce some domestic frequencies, though the impact would remain below 10%. Updated on: May 28, 2026 7:43 AM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link Major Indian carriers
The two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Wednesday withdrew disqualification petitions against each other’s MLAs, and reached a truce two weeks after the rift surfaced, the Hindustan Times reported. The rift had taken place after 25 AIADMK MLAs led by former ministers
Can Uttar Pradesh’s power network handle growing load?Domestic, agriculture consumers remain the two biggest pressure points while industry and EV load is also growing in Uttar Pradesh Published on: May 28, 2026 7:46 AM IST By Brajendra K Parashar
Delhi employee stunned after boss gifts him a brand-new SUV for his appraisal: ‘I was shocked’Speaking to Hindustantimes.com, a Delhi employee shared his shock at receiving a brand-new MG Hector SUV as a surprise appraisal gift. Published on: May 28
The live-in personal assistant to Friends star Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 41 months in prison, capping a multi-year legal saga surrounding the actor's death. Kenneth Iwamasa, 60, who injected Perry with ketamine, worked with two doctors to provide the actor with more than $50
Traffic, not stubble, behind daily pollution spikes in Delhi: Study
Traffic, not stubble, behind daily pollution spikes in Delhi: Study
Even with farm fires at a multi-year low, Delhi-NCR's winter air remains suffocating. For most of October and November, pollution levels hovered between 'very poor' and 'severe', fuelled by a rising "toxic cocktail" of PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) emitted mainly from vehicles and other local sources.
At least 22 air-quality monitoring stations in Delhi recorded carbon monoxide (CO) levels above permissible limits on more than 30 of the 59 days assessed, with Dwarka Sector 8 logging the highest number of breaches at 55 days, followed by Jahangirpuri and Delhi University's North Campus, both at 50 days, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
Why India struggles to clear its air
Losing the plot: On North India's air quality issue
Delhi air pollution a ‘slow poison', Congress seeks all-party panel and hits out at freebie politics
Air pollution in Delhi like 'slow poison', government must take strong steps: Congress
Is Delhi becoming an uninhabitable city? | Explained
The analysis also highlights a troubling proliferation of pollution hotspots in the capital.
In 2018, only 13 locations were officially designated as hotspots. Now, several more locations routinely record pollution levels far higher than the city average.
Jahangirpuri emerged as Delhi's most polluted hotspot, with an annual PM2.5 average of 119 µg/m³, or micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Bawana and Wazirpur (113 µg/m³), Anand Vihar (111 µg/m³), and Mundka, Rohini, and Ashok Vihar (101–103 µg/m³).
Vivek Vihar, Alipur, Nehru Nagar, Siri Fort, Dwarka Sector 8 and Patparganj were some of the new hotspots flagged by CSE.
Smaller NCR towns also recorded more intense and longer smog episodes this year.
Bahadurgarh experienced the longest continuous smog event — lasting 10 days, from November 9 to 18 — indicating that the region increasingly behaves as a single airshed with uniformly high pollution levels.
CSE's assessment finds that early winter pollution has plateaued at unhealthy levels, driven mainly by local emissions, even as the contribution of stubble burning has dropped significantly.
The analysis — based on CPCB data — points to a "toxic cocktail" of PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO), pollutants closely linked to vehicles and combustion sources, that has heightened health risks this season.
Researchers found that PM2.5 levels rose and fell almost in tandem with NO₂ during peak traffic hours. Between 7–10 a.m. and 6–9 pm, both pollutants spiked sharply as vehicular emissions accumulated under shallow winter boundary layers.
While NO₂ showed rapid, traffic-linked peaks, PM2.5 recorded broader, slower-moving spikes. CO levels also breached the eight-hour standard at several locations across the city.
"This synchronised pattern reinforces that particulate pollution spikes are being fuelled daily by traffic-related emissions of NO₂ and CO, especially under low-dispersion conditions," said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director (research and advocacy), CSE.
"Yet, winter control efforts remain dominated by dust measures, with weak action on vehicles, industry, waste burning and solid fuels," she added.
The report notes that stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana was significantly subdued this year, partly because floods disrupted the crop cycle.
For most of the early winter period, farm fires contributed less than 5% to Delhi's pollution, rising to 5–15% on some days and peaking at 22% on November 12–13.
While the decline in stubble burning prevented extreme pollution spikes, it did little to improve daily air quality, the report said. PM2.5 remained the dominant pollutant on 34 days, followed by PM10 on 25 days, ozone on 13 days, and CO on two days.
Throughout November, the AQI remained in the 'very poor' to 'severe' range, underscoring the persistent impact of Delhi's local pollution sources — traffic, industry, waste burning, and domestic fuel use.
Although peak pollution levels this year were lower compared to the past three winters due to reduced firecrackers and farm-fire impact, average pollution levels showed almost no improvement.
PM2.5 levels for October–November were about 9% lower than last year, but compared to the three-year baseline, no meaningful progress was observed.
Between 2018 and 2020, PM2.5 levels recorded a steady decline, partly due to the pandemic. Since 2021–22, however, annual averages have plateaued at elevated levels.
In 2024, the annual average rose sharply to 104.7 µg/m³, reversing earlier gains.
The report recommends a set of deep structural measures to tackle emissions across sectors — time-bound electrification targets, scrapping of older vehicles, expanded public transport and last-mile connectivity, and better walking and cycling infrastructure.
It also calls for parking caps, congestion taxes, cleaner industrial fuels, lower gas taxes, elimination of waste burning, improved waste segregation, and remediation of legacy dumps.
On Monday (December 1, 2025), Delhi's 3 p.m. AQI stood at 303, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to the CPCB's air quality bulletin.
Published - December 01, 2025 05:36 pm IST
Delhi / air pollution / pollution control
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Delhi breathes easy as farm fires in nearby states decline sharply PMC to expand healthcare network even as existing facilities remain underutilised Must have air purifiers to tackle Delhi NCR’s rising air pollution at home and w Get these air purifiers to survive Delhi NCR air pollution crisis HEPA filter air purifiers in 2025 Delhi NCR air is hazardous today Delhi air worsens as AQI readings remain in Nutritionist explains why low-sugar diet can age you faster even with collagen Rupee slumps to record low even as Goldman Sachs warns of 95/dollar levels Russians won't represent their country at Winter Olympics even if Ukraine war ends NPAs Of India's Banks Plunge To Multi-Decadal Low Of 2
TikTok appears to be experiencing a widespread outage with hundreds of users flagging issues with openig the popular social media app. According to outage tracking website Downdetector, reports of issues with TikTok spiked sharply around 6 AM ET in the United States on May 28
2 hours ago
Global carmakers are facing a reckoning as US, European and Japanese brands lose ground to Chinese rivals setting the pace not only in electric vehicles, but also in batteries, design and software. The BBC visited factory floors in Beijing and Hefei on the sidelines of Auto China 2026 - the world's
2 hours ago
Micah Parsons injury update: Adam Schefter gives devastating news on LB's return; ‘Will miss…’Micah Parsons is expected to miss the “first few weeks” of the upcoming season for Packers as his ACL recovers, Adam Schefter said. Updated on: May 28
2 hours ago
Laid-off Webflow employee calls out CEO: ‘Locked out of laptop, didn’t get email’A Webflow employee has called out the company’s CEO over the way in which she handled layoffs, claiming he did not receive an email about his termination Updated on: May 28
1 hours ago
Indian scientists have found strong evidence of subsurface ice near the Moon's south pole. Data from Chandrayaan-2's radar instrument revealed ice in craters. This discovery adds to growing evidence of water resources on the Moon. These findings will help shape future lunar missions
2 hours ago
Gujarat Titans bowlers set new IPL records. Kagiso Rabada took the most powerplay wickets in a season. The team also achieved a historically balanced bowling performance with five bowlers taking 15 or more wickets. Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a record playoff total
2 hours ago
The complaint alleged that Mamata Banerjee’s remarks insulted the sentiments of followers of Sanatan Dharma and promoted communal disharmony. An FIR was registered on Tuesday against TMC Chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her alleged derogatory remarks about Sanatan
2 hours ago
Pradosh Vrat happens to be one of the most sacred fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This vrat is observed during the auspicious period on the Trayodashi tithi which starts after sunset. The time window after sunset, when Trayodashi Tithi and Pradosha time overlap
2 hours ago
Several labour unions have demanded, in writing, that India’s labour codes be reformed to include more explicit provisions for working in extreme heat. Record-breaking heat in recent years has moved government bodies to issue advisories urging employers to reschedule working hours and make
2 hours ago
When Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish first met Oliver Glasner in late 2023, he had no idea it would be a meeting that would change the course of the club's history. It was then sporting director, Dougie Freedman, who had set up the get-together in south London
2 hours ago
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly set to resign Thursday following Congress high command directives, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to assume the top post. Celebrations erupted in Shivakumar's camp amid speculation
2 hours ago
Feeling bloated after meals? Gastroenterologist shares the benefits of post-meal ‘fart walks’ to ease discomfortGoing for a short walk after meals – popularised as “fart walks” on social media – is a simple way to get your digestive tract moving and ease bloating. Published on: May 27
1 days ago
From Spielberg's epic alien drama to J-Lo in an office romcom and the return of Toy Story, these are the films to watch at the cinema and stream at home this month. "By the power of Grayskull! I – have – the power!" Readers of a certain age may remember that booming battle cry: it rang out
1 days ago
IIT Madras graduate rejected ₹10 LPA job for UPSC, later found success through trading: 'Never give up'An X post detailed the man’s 12-year struggle through UPSC preparation, failed career shifts, heartbreak and unemployment before finding success through trading Published on: May 27
1 days ago
said it has turned across all its established businesses in FY26, marking a key profitability milestone for one of India's largest platforms, as it accelerates expansion across pharmacy, and speciality care.The company said its diagnostics business crossed an annualised revenue run rate of more
1 days ago
Penpa Tsering sworn in for second term as head of Tibet’s 'government-in-exile' in DharamshalaTsering said that "Middle Way Policy" which seeks a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue and mutual benefit would be lasting. Updated on: May 27
1 days ago
As innovation becomes more open and collaborative, thanks to an AI-Driven economy, companies are rethinking how visibility is built. This article explores why presence in innovation ecosystems matters, how long-term technical credibility is earned, and why platforms such as ET AI Hackathon 2
1 days ago
Man serves lemon juice as prashad in office prank, colleagues’ reactions go viralA light-hearted office moment captured on Instagram shows lemon juice being served as prashad. Published on: May 27, 2026 4:47 PM IST By Vaishali Kapila Share via Copy link Office life can feel repetitive at times
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the government’s retrospective imposition of 28% Goods and Service Tax (GST) on companies, backing tax demands on past transactions in a ruling that could have major financial implications for the sector
1 days ago
India opens ₹15,000 crore race to build AMCA stealth fighterThe shortlisted bidders are: Tata Advanced Systems Limited; Larsen and Toubro plus Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge plus Bharat Earth Movers Limited Updated on: May 27, 2026 4:56 PM IST By Shishir Gupta Share via Copy link
1 days ago
A Chinese dissident who fled his country on a rubber boat has been detained in South Korea after spending 30 hours at sea. Dong Guangping, a former police officer and human rights activist, was found in Korean waters on Monday night. South Korea's coast guard told the BBC that Dong is under
1 days ago
Ugandan woman, suspected of Ebola infection, tests negative in KarnatakaKarnataka minister says health department continues to closely monitor the situation and remains fully prepared to take all necessary measures Updated on: May 27, 2026 4:40 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link A 28-year-old woman
1 days ago
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla asked the international community for urgent help to prevent disaster in his country, which is under a U.S. energy blockade, in a speech to the UN Security Council on Tuesdayc(May 26, 2026). “I call on the international community to mobilize to
1 days ago
The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday acquitted religious leader Asumal Harpalani, also known as Asaram Bapu, of charges related to the gangrape and sexual assault of a minor, PTI reported. However, a bench of Justices Arun Monga and Yogendra Kumar Purohit upheld his conviction for rape in the case
1 days ago
Noida International Airport: Paresh Maity’s art takes flight of fancyIndian artist Paresh Maity’s two public art installations will be part of the Noida International Airport that is expected to be operational from June 2026. These include six huge panels and a bell installation represent
1 days ago
The Assam Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code bill seeking to ban polygamy and make the registration of live-in relationships compulsory, even as the Opposition demanded that it should be sent to a select committee for scrutiny
1 days ago
LIC shares fall 3 percent as reports say India plans 2 percent stake sale to institutional investors. LIC (Life Insurance Corporation) shares slipped 3 per cent intraday on Wednesday, following the reports suggest the government is planning to sale 2 per cent stake from the insurance behemoth next
1 days ago
